About approval for working with GMOs
Do I need approval ?
- All projects involving a "dealing" with a GMO require written approval before work can start.
- In addition to project approval, the facility (room) where the dealing is to be conducted may need to be certified by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR).
- Project approvals from other organisations are not transferable to the University of Melbourne. University approval is required before GMOs are transported from another organisation.
- Work with a genetically modified vertebrate animal requires:
(1) approval for GMO work AND
(2) animal ethics approval
How do I get approval?
The approval process depends on the classification of your GMO. Use our
What type of approval page to determine this classification and to link to application materials. If you already have this information click a link below to access an overview of the applicable approval process:
Who approves my application?
While the Gene Technology Act 2000 enables Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) to assess and approve certain kinds of GMO dealings, other types will require a licence from the OGTR before work can start. The
Gene Technology and Biosafety Committee (the University IBC) conducts initial review of all GMO project applications at regular meetings throughout the year. Applicants should be aware of the
deadlines to avoid delays.
Does the work need to be conducted in an OGTR certified facility?
In summary, dealings with GMOs that are classified as
Notifiable Low Risk Dealings (NLRD) or
Dealings Not involving Intentional Release (DNIR) must be conducted in facilities that are OGTR certified. The certified facility type and the level of containment must be suited to the type of GMO and the activities being conducted (refer to OGTR
Guide to Physical Containment Levels and Facility Types).