Apply to develop low risk GMOs in containment

The University holds a low-risk HSNO approval (APP202708) to develop a wide range of low-risk GMOs in containment, and the UABSC oversees its management. Researchers can apply to the UABSC to become an approved user of this approval for their individual projects.

Any University researcher who wishes to develop low-risk GMOs must first submit an application.

Approved user status will be granted for a period of up to three years, at which point principal investigators must apply for renewal.

Prospective users of this approval must ensure that any GMOs developed fall within the boundaries of this approval, i.e. that the GMOs to be developed meet the definition of low risk approvals as laid out in the HSNO (Low-Risk Genetic Modification) Regulations 2003 and that the work will be undertaken in the appropriate containment laboratory which is part of an MPI approved containment facility.

Researchers who are unsure if their work falls within the scope of the University-wide low-risk HSNO approval should, in the first instance, contact the biological safety officer.

1. Create a new biological safety application – “Application to become an Approved User of the University Wide HSNO approval (APP202708)” using Infonetica Ethics RM, following the steps in the Ethics RM –Creating an application guide.
2. Submit the application following the steps in the Infonetica Ethics RM – Submitting an Application – no sign-off (Biological Safety Committee applications only) guide.
3. Only the principal investigator can submit the application, as they will be required to agree to the terms and conditions of the application in the process of submission.
4. Only one principal investigator can submit the application. Other PIs with similar projects and GMOs can duplicate an approval and amend project details as applicable for their approvals.
5. The application must be submitted at least 10 working days before the next UABSC scheduled meeting.
6. Approved users will be sent a letter outlining the boundaries of their approval within the University-wide low-risk HSNO approval. It is the PI’s responsibility to ensure that all low-risk GMO development falls within the scope of their specific approval.

• During the assessment of the application, the Committee may decide that it needs further information before reaching a final decision. You will be notified of what further information the committee would like added to the application. Be aware that the application is formally stalled once the request for information is sent.
• After you have amended the application form, resubmit the form for review. Only major revisions will require full committee re-review.

Head of Research Ethics
Email: Dr Dana Wensley

Hazards and Containment Manager and Biosafety Officer
Email: Dr Francesca Casu