Translational and Basic Science – Institutional Review Committees

What

The Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO) committee provides oversight of all issues related to derivation and use of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines and facilitates the education of investigators involved in hESC research.

Review is required when research involves:

• Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)
• In vitro culture of any intact human embryo
• Induced pluripotent stem cells (IPS )
• Non-embyronic stem cells, including adult stem cells, fetal stem cells, placental stem cells and umbilical cord stem cells

When

ESCRO authorization is required prior to initiating work with hESCs. Refer to the ESCRO Application Form for guidance on when to submit proposals to the ESCRO Office.

How

Principal Investigators are required to complete and submit the ESCRO Application Authorization Form.

Questions

Contact the ESCRO Office at escro@mssm.edu.

What

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is responsible for responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Institutional animal care and use program.

Any activity involving of the use of live vertebrate animals in biomedical research, training, or teaching cannot commence without approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

When

IACUC approval is required prior to beginning any research, training or teaching activities involving vertebrate animals.

How

Initial applications for IACUC protocol approval, along with addendums, continuations and yearly progress reports are submitted, processed and reviewed via the eIACUC portal. For guidance on the application process, refer to IACUC Applications.

Renewal

Approvals are granted for a period of three years. Investigators are required to file a progress report at the beginning of each year. Upon expiration of the three-year approval period, PIs must submit a new IACUC application.

What

The ISMMS Institutional Biosafety Program monitors all laboratory activities involving recombinant DNA and synthetic DNA molecules as required by the National Institute of Health (NIH) Guidelines. They also oversee research involving biological agents and biological toxins. As mandated by the guidelines, the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) must review and approve any research involving the use of the following hazardous materials regardless of the funding source:

• Recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids
• Infectious agents
• Select agents & toxins, as per the Federal Select Agent Program
• Human materials (including all fluids, tissues, excretions, secretions, cell lines) utilizing infectious agents and/or recombinant/synthetic nucleic acids
• Nonhuman primate materials (including live animals, all fluids, tissues, excretions, secretions, cell lines) utilizing infectious agents and/or recombinant/synthetic nucleic acids
• Genetically modified animals and whole plants
• Certain animals or specimens know to be reservoirs/vectors of zoonotic disease

When

Approval is required before starting work. The PI is responsible for updating the IBC protocol (s) to include modifications to personnel, locations, materials, procedures, etc.

How

Principal Investigators are required to complete and submit applications in eSafety three full weeks before the IBC meetings dates.

Renewal

Every 3 Years

Questions

Contact the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) at biosafety.ibc@mssm.edu or (212) 241-0704.

Last Updated: July 2023

What

All projects that involve software development, utilization of third-party information technology and/or software require a third-party cybersecurity assessment.

When

It is recommended to begin this process as soon as possible. The estimated time for completing a risk assessment is 2-6 weeks.

How

To submit a request for a cybersecurity assessment via Mount Sinai’s OneTrust Portal, click on this link https://mountsinai.my.onetrust.com/welcome or click on the Cybersecurity Assessment Icon from the App Launcher.

If you are unsure an assessment is needed or you have other assessment-related inquires, contact CyberRiskAssessment@mountsinai.org.

For additional access and workflow details, click here.

What

The Laser Safety Committee (LSC) oversees the Laser Safety Program and reviews requests for use of Class 3B and 4 lasers.

When

All Class 3B and 4 lasers require registration and operating permits prior to use.

How

Registration can be made by completing and submitting Form SAFF14-1.1 Application for a Permit to Use Medical or Research Laser. The form can be emailed to RSO@mssm.edu.

Questions

Contact the Radiation Safety Office at (212) 241-2269.

What

The Radiation Safety Office (RSO) oversees the use of radioactive material and ensures the safety of Mount Sinai employees and patients through the application of Radiation Safety procedures.

All Principal Investigators who wish to use radioactive materials in their lab are required to obtain authorization through the Radiation Safety Office (RSO) and be approved by the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC). Permits are normally issued to a member of the Faculty, who may then supervise others within the limits of the permits. For more information, refer to Radiation Safety Manual.

When

Permits are required prior to the use or storage of radioactive material in a laboratory.

Animal Studies – Use of radioactive materials in animals requires specific authorization by the RSO. The review of animal protocols is coordinated through the institutional IACUC.

How

Applications for Internal permits can be made by completing the Authorization Application and submitting it the RSO office.

Radiation Safety Office – Box 1633
One Gustave L. Levy Place
Annenberg, SC/B2 Level, Room 40
Phone: (212) 241-2269
Fax: (212) 423-9550
rso@mssm.edu

Renewal

Radioactive material permits need to be renewed every 5 years. The Radiation Safety Office will initiate the renewal process by contacting the affected Authorized Users.

Last Updated: May 2023