We Want Your Feedback on UND’s Institutional Biosafety Committee Noncompliance Policy

Biosafety rules exist for a reason. When research involves recombinant DNA, bloodborne pathogens, or other biological materials, small missteps can carry real consequences. UND needs a clear way to catch those missteps early and address them fairly. The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) developed a noncompliance policy to spell out how reports get reviewed and resolved.

Why this policy, and why now?

Federal guidelines require this kind of oversight, and UND’s IBC has handled it for years. This policy simply puts that longstanding process in writing – covering research with recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules, bloodborne pathogens, select agents, and dual use research of concern – so everyone involved knows what to expect.

Key elements include:

• A shared reporting obligation. Anyone involved in IBC-overseen research must report suspected noncompliance to the IBC or Office of Safety.
• A consistent starting point. Every report is treated as an allegation first, then reviewed on its own merits.
• A defined evaluation process. The IBC chair, biosafety officer, and research assurance staff reviews each report before any action is taken.
• Protection from retaliation. The policy prohibits retaliatory action against anyone who reports or participates in an investigation.
• Responses matched to severity. Outcomes range from education and a corrective plan to protocol suspension or termination, depending on how serious or ongoing the noncompliance is.

What are we asking of you?

Read the draft. If you conduct or oversee research involving biological materials, think about how this process would work in your lab. Is the reporting path clear? Does the review process make sense? Did we miss something? Your perspective matters.

The comment period is open August 10-23, 2026. Submit your feedback online. All comments will be reviewed and considered before the policy is finalized.