The mission of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is to review proposed research or work to be conducted at or on behalf of the university that involves recombinant/synthetic DNA (rDNA). In addition to rDNA research, the IBC reviews and approves proposals for research that is in compliance with NIH Guidelines, and that can safely be performed at VCU involving select agents; certain human, plant, and animal pathogens and biological toxins; or other research projects conducted at or on behalf of the university which are deemed, by the Biosafety Office, to require IBC oversight. The IBC also reviews Memorandums of Understanding (MUAs) for clinical trials involving any administration of rDNA and/or pathogens to human subjects.