Staffing Update

As previously noted, we have completed a successful search, and we welcomed Sherri Evans as the new Assistant Director for the IACUC/IBC/CSC to UVM in the first week of June.  Please welcome Sherri!  

Federal Status Updates

Dual Use Research of Concern regulatory changes remain on hold.  Implementation Update:  Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research Notice NOT-OD-25-112 was released on May 7, 2025.  We will keep you updated as we become aware of changes to this new requirement. 

Promoting Maximal Transparency Under the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules NOT-OD-25-082 was released on March 28, 2025.  This notice requires that IBC's make their meeting minutes public.  Guidance as to allowable redactions were provided on June 2, 2025.  The IBC, UVM legal counsel, and the VPR reviewed this new requirement.   Allowable redactions are limited to those items that involve proprietary information or information that could lead to national/local security issues. Minutes will be posted to the IBC Meeting Date area of our website.

Policy and Procedure

The IBC recently updated the following policies and procedures.  

New IBC Webpage

The A/BSL-3 Core Facility now has its own webpage.  We will continue to fine tune the page with updates and revisions as necessary.  Please check it out. 

Controlled Substances

If you use controlled substances in your research, please remember the following:

  1. UVM researchers must use the standard purchase order to purchase any controlled substances.  Use of a UVM PurCard is not allowed.  The purchase order system has safeguards to cover you, which are not available when you use a UVM PurCard.   
  2. When transporting controlled substances from room to room within the building, the best practice is to place the controlled substance into a lockable container.  This ensures the controlled substance is not readily seen or accessible to non-authorized personnel.
  3. Transport of controlled substances to a building, other than those which have been approved under your DEA registration, is prohibited, even if the buildings are joined by a tunnel or common hallway.  There are no exceptions to this requirement.  

New Opportunities for Assistance

Weekly in-person open office hours are now available to researchers on Tuesdays from 9-11.  Are you trying to submit your first IACUC protocol, IBC registration or a CSC DEA Registration? Maybe you are responding to the Committee's request for clarifications or have a new amendment.  Please feel free to drop by Waterman 217f with your questions, no appointment necessary.  

Monthly Protocol Submission Prep - Members from IACUC, IBC, CSC, University Veterinarians, and the Biosafety Team are collaborating to provide one-stop support! Beginning this month, representatives from each of these teams will come together in a conference room close to you to address your protocol submission inquiries and assist you with Click. Don’t forget to bring your computer! Feel free to join us whenever you need help.

You will find the team on July 30th in HSRF 300 from 9:00 - 11:00.