Advisory Committees

Biosafety Committee – The Biosafety Committee is comprised of several sub-committees that are responsible for all biosafety related areas in research, including: radiation safety, infectious agents, chemical spills, and recombinant DNA.  The committee meets at least twice annually, or as situations require.  Sub-committees meet and act on an as-needed basis.  The Recombinant DNA sub-committee is responsible for preliminary review of appropriate proposals identified by the Office of the Assistant Dean for Research and Advanced Education in order to determine whether or not there is a need to obtain approval for their proposed research from the Texas A&M University Health Science Center Recombinant DNA Committee. Training is required before any agents can be used in the laboratory.  All individuals who plan to use any agents should contact the appropriate chair of the committee.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) – The IACUC performs the following functions: 1) Updates the complete Program of Humane Animal Care and Use 2) Every six months reviews the College’s Program for Humane Care and Use of Animals, inspects and evaluates the Animal Resource Unit and any other locations where animals are used. 3) Review concerns involving the care and use of animals at the College. 4) Reviews and approves, requires modifications in (to secure approval) or withhold approval of proposed activities related to the care and use of animals. Reviews and approves, requires modification in (to secure approval) or withhold approval of proposed significant changes regarding the use of animals in ongoing activities. 5) Notifies investigators and the College in writing of its decision to approve or withhold approval of those activities related to the care and use of animals, or of modifications required to secure IACUC approval.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) – The IRB is charged with monitoring research to assure that the rights of the human subjects are protected, as defined in the Code of Federal regulations (Title 45, Part 46 - Protection of Human Subjects).  This requires that the IRB review each research proposal, monitor the research while it continues, and keep appropriate documentation.  The primary ethical guidelines for the IRB are that the principles of "respect for persons", "beneficence", and "justice" govern any research which involves human subjects.

Research Advisory Committee (RAC) – The primary functions of the RAC is to provide advice and assistance to the Office of the Assistant Dean for Research and Advanced Education with respect to strategic planning and development primarily in the following areas: 1)major research directions, themes, and opportunities, 2) research resources and infrastructure, 3) policies affecting the research faculty and trainees, 4) recommendations concerning funding of intramural grants, and 5) coordination and integration of the research programs at the BCD with other components of the Texas A&M University Health Science Center, including development of interdisciplinary HSC programs. The RAC is comprised of faculty from all areas of the College who have experience in a variety of areas directly related to programmatic research development.  This includes experience as an independent investigator, in the development of research and training programs and facilities, and in oversight of research compliance.  RAC meet monthly to discuss issues related to research development.

Research Committee  – The Research Committee evaluates proposals submitted for intramural funding. The research committee can also evaluate proposals intended for extramural funding when requested by the principal investigator or by the Administration. The committee can also assist in the correction of proposals found to be deficient by appointing consultants who serve to convey the concerns of the Committee, help in the revisions required, and present the revised proposals for reconsideration. (Required for all student proposals, optional for faculty proposals).  It serves as a resource for the Research Advisory Council to collect data on matters concerning research policies, procedures, and space.