What is a central function of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)?

A central function of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is to review research involving biohazardous materials. The IBC's primary responsibility is to ensure that any research conducted within an institution that includes the use of recombinant DNA, pathogens, or other biohazardous materials is done safely and ethically. This involves assessing the potential risks associated with the research, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies, and confirming that appropriate safety measures are in place to mitigate those risks.

This review process is critical for protecting both laboratory personnel and the surrounding community from any potential hazards posed by the research. The IBC plays a key role in establishing that proposed research meets required safety standards and protocols before it can commence. This regulatory oversight fosters a responsible research environment where safety is prioritized.

Other options do not accurately reflect the primary functions of the IBC, as they focus on aspects unrelated to the committee's main purpose or suggest functions that would not typically fall under the committee's jurisdiction.