Curtin University recognizes the need to ensure that biological teaching and research is conducted in accordance with all legislative requirements governing this area in the Commonwealth of Australia, and at a standard that ensures the safety of staff and students of the University. Primary responsibility for this rests with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).

It is the responsibility of all staff and students undertaking research involving biological agents to complete the following:

Biological Agents Risk Assessment

The information required to work with the IBC and comply with the Gene Technology Regulations is provided below.  Please forward any specific enquiries regarding biosafety at Curtin to David Groth, Chair, Institutional BioSafety Committee.

Want to undertake teaching or research that involves using or

creating genetically modified organisms?

You MUST notify the Institutional BioSafety Committee of all dealings (including‘exempt' ones) involving genetically modified organisms and you must NOT commence work until you have obtained written approval from the IBC.   This website and the committee provide you with all the necessary information, support, links and forms to apply for approval from the committee and any required licenses from the Gene Technology

                               Regulator.

• How do I know what type of dealing I am proposing to undertake?
• When can I start work?
• Application procedure
• Application forms

What certified facilities do we have at Curtin University?

Curtin has a number of certified facilities in which teaching and research with genetically modified organisms can be undertaken.   If the facilities listed do not meet with your requirements, you can apply for certification of a facility.  All certified facilities are inspected on an annual basis in accordance with the Gene Technology Regulations.

• Certified facilities
• Applying to certify a facility
• Requirements for certification
• Facility Inspection forms

Want to contact a member of the Institutional BioSafety Committee? or know what the committee does? And when it meets?

All committee members will make themselves available to provide advice on the requirements Gene Technology Act and Regulations, procedures and

applications, and the certification of facilities. The committee meets bi-monthly.

•  Composition of the IBC (includes contact details)

•  IBC terms of reference

•  Scheduled meetings of the IBC

What other information is available on Gene Technology and

BioSafety?

There are several related and relevant policies that should be fully considered by all staff undertaking work with biological agents.   There is also significant body of information available on a variety of websites.

• Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
• Gene Technology Act and Regulations
• Handbook on the Regulation of Gene Technology in Australia
• Guidelines for Accredited Organisations
• Curtin Policy
• Safety in Research - Risk Assessment Form
• "Working with GMO's" given by Professor David Groth, March 08
• Other useful links