Gene technology and biosafety
Gene technology
It is University of Melbourne policy that all work conducted with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is carried out in accordance with the guidelines published by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR). The Gene Technology Act 2000 ('the Act') also prescribes conditions for conduct, management and containment of work involving GMOs. In effect, all projects involving GMOs 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 OGTR.While the Act 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.
Biosafety
A wide range of infectious agents - and samples that might reasonably contain infectious agents - are in use across the University. Policies have been developed at the University to ensure that such agents are reported and logged, and that any risk to workers, the general population, and the environment is minimised. These safeguards include (in simplified summary):- Each work group must maintain an inventory of the infectious agents that it uses or holds.
- Although lower risk agents do not require specific project approvals - provided that the work is conducted in facilities that meet internal or OGTR certification requirements - new agents must be reported to the responsible Department and to the Research Office annually.
- Work with higher risk agents must be approved by the Gene Technology and Biosafety Committee prior to the commencement of work, unless it is already approved as GMO dealing and registered with the OGTR.