The Dartmouth IBC reviews all biological research on campus to ensure labs have proper containment for various types of biological agents, including recombinant DNA, infectious agents, toxins, human source materials, etc., and that all PIs and lab personnel are properly trained in biosafety. All biological research at Dartmouth needs IBC review and approval before starting.

The NIH requires all institutions receiving research funds to have its research reviewed by an IBC (regardless of whether that research is directly supported by the NIH), as stipulated by the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic DNA Molecules. If research is conducted without approval, the NIH has the authority to withdrawal research support from that lab or institution.

Section IV-B-7 of the NIH Guidelines states, "on behalf of the institution, the Principal Investigator is responsible for full compliance with the NIH Guidelines". 

For information on submitting your research to the IBC, see Submission of Research to the IBC. 

For information on IBC procedures see the IBC Charter.