IBC Policy 350 - Required Training

Adopted August 27, 2026

I. Policy Purpose

This policy establishes training requirements for all personnel who conduct research activities involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules (r/sNAs), biological hazards, or other activities regulated by the SIUC Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).

II. Policy Definitions

IBC-Approved Training refers to standardized training content reviewed and accepted by the IBC as fulfilling programmatic training requirements for personnel listed on an approved Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement (MUA). This includes training completed through the CITI Program as specified in this policy. 

Laboratory-Specific Training refers to training provided by the Principal Investigator (PI) or a qualified designee (such as a Laboratory Manager) that addresses the particular biological agents, procedures, containment practices, emergency protocols, and safety measures specific to the PI’s laboratory or to activities described in an approved MUA. 

NIH Guidelines means the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules; the set of regulations detailing safety practices and containment procedures for research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, including the creation and use of organisms and viruses containing recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules. 

Regulated Activities include any research, teaching, and/or contracted service activity with r/sNAs and biological materials conducted by SIUC faculty, staff, volunteers, and students.

III. Policy Statement

The SIUC Institutional Biosafety Committee requires that all personnel working on an active IBC approved MUA are adequately trained prior to initiating or participating in any IBC regulated activities. Training is a prerequisite for MUA approval and for ongoing participation in IBC regulated work. The IBC, as required by the NIH Guidelines, will assess the training and expertise of all personnel when reviewing MUA submissions. 

All personnel subject to this policy must complete two categories of required training: (1) programmatic training, and (2) laboratory-specific training provided by the PI. Individuals must complete, and keep current, both categories of training before beginning any work with IBC regulated activities. 

The PI bears primary responsibility for ensuring that all personnel in their laboratory are appropriately trained in accordance with this policy. The Office of Research Compliance (ORC) is responsible for verifying CITI training completion records during MUA review and at MUA review intervals. The IBC and BSO may inspect training documentation during periodic laboratory inspections.

IV. General Procedures

A. Programmatic Training

SIUC offers programmatic training through the online Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI). All personnel working on an active IBC approved MUA must complete the following CITI module(s) before beginning any regulated activities: 

• Initial Biosafety Training (required for all projects): This module covers principles of biosafety, risk assessment, containment practices, and personal protective equipment.
• NIH Recombinant DNA Guidelines (required for projects involving r/sNA): This module covers the scope, purpose, and requirements of the NIH Guidelines.

The IBC may require additional CITI modules based on the nature of research, such as Animal Biosafety, Shipping and Transport of Regulated Biological Materials, or Human Gene Transfer.  

CITI training must be renewed every three (3) years from the date of the initial completion by completing the Biosafety Retraining CITI module.

B. Laboratory-specific Training

In addition to programmatic training, all personnel working on an active MUA must receive laboratory-specific training provided by the PI or a qualified designee prior to beginning any IBC regulated activities. Laboratory-specific training must address the particular hazards, agents, procedures, and safety practices specific to the work described in the MUA and cannot be fulfilled by general online coursework alone. This training requirement reflects the responsibility of the PI under Policy 240 to instruct and train laboratory personnel in the practices, techniques, and emergency procedures specific to their work.

C. Additional Training

The Center for Environmental Health and Safety (CEHS) offers broad training in chemical and biological lab safety, bloodborne pathogens, and occupational safety. Investigators and laboratory staff must complete these trainings as required by CEHS.