About

• The Institutional Biosafety Committee is a deliberative advisory body that evaluates and reviews biosafety matters related to research involving potentially hazardous biological agents conducted at the Veterans Medical Research Institute, ensuring biological safety in studies involving living modified organisms (LMOs). The committee operates to review and advise on biosafety research proposals, designate and recommend appropriate research facilities according to study objectives, and promote a safe research environment.
• Established in May 2019, the Institutional Biosafety Committee functions under the authority of the Director of the VHS Medical Center.

Functions of the IBC

• Review, assess, and approve risk evaluations for recombinant DNA experiments conducted within the institute
• Oversee biosafety education and training programs for research personnel
• Propose and review the establishment or revision of biosafety management regulations
• Monitor the operation and safety management of research facilities
• Address other matters related to ensuring biological safety within research facilities

Organization of the IBC

• Chairperson: Yun Jae-won (Veterans Medical Research Institute)
• Biosafety Officer: Kim Hak-su (Veterans Medical Research Institute)
• Biosafety Manager/Secretary: Choi Ok-kyeong (Veterans Medical Research Institute)
• Internal Member: Kwon Seung-hyeon (Veterans Medical Research Institute)
• External Member: Jeong Hyeon-ju (Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong)

Inquiries

• Choi Ok-kyeong, Institutional Biosafety Committee, 3F, Research Office, Veterans Medical Research Institute (4563, cok@bohun.or.kr)

Roles

Reference: IBC, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute

Biosafety Training

• Completion of LMO biosafety training is mandatory to access and use Biosafety Level 2 facilities
• Complete training (http://edu.labs.go.kr)