We would like to inform you of updates to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) training requirements. Please be advised that all personnel listed on a Biological Use Authorization (BUA) – including PIs – must complete these trainings, regardless of their role.
Training Updates
- NIH Guidelines for UCLA Researchers:
- The WorkSafe training BIO-IBC-OL (NIH Guidelines for UCLA Researchers: IBC Compliance Training) has been retired and replaced with the CITI NIH Recombinant DNA Guidelines Training.
- Unlike the previous one-time training requirement, this course must now be completed every three years to ensure research personnel remain current with updates to NIH guidelines.
- The three-year renewal period begins from the date the CITI course is completed.
2. Introduction to the UCLA Biosafety Program
- A new WorkSafe training course, Introduction to the UCLA Biosafety Program, has been added.
- This course provides personnel with more detailed information regarding UCLA-specific biosafety requirements and expectations.
- This is a one-time training requirement.
Implementation
- For new laboratories submitting BUAs, personnel will be required to complete both new training requirements prior to IBC approval.
- For BUA amendments and continuing reviews (CRs), personnel previously approved will be given a grace period to complete the updated training requirements, and these requirements will not delay approval of amendments or the addition of new work to existing BUAs. The grace period will conclude December 31, 2026.
- Beginning January 1, 2027, all personnel subject to IBC training requirements will be expected to have completed the new training courses.
Please ensure that all personnel listed on your BUA complete the required training within the appropriate timeframe.
Please note that completion of the new training courses may not yet appear in SafetyNet. Our team is actively working to integrate and display this information. In the meantime, the IBC administrative team can manually verify training completion. We will notify the research community once the training information is available for viewing in the system.
If you have any questions regarding these requirements, please contact the IBC@research.ucla.edu