Biosafety–Recombinant and Synthetic DNA

These Biosafety–Recombinant and Synthetic DNA policies and procedures exist to ensure that all research and activities involving the use of altered or synthetic and potentially hazardous DNA or RNA and their products are conducted in a safe and secure environment at Western Michigan University.

Genomic DNA of plants and bacteria that have acquired a transportable element, even if the latter was donated from a recombinant vector no longer present, are not subject to this policy unless the transposon in itself contains recombinant or synthetic DNA.

Committee oversight: WMU Institutional Biosafety Committee—IBC 

 WMU policy

• Policy for Recombinant or Synthetic DNA Biosafety
• Dual Use of Research Concern Policy

Biosafety forms

• IBC Registration Form—for recombinant and synthetic DNA research—2025
• BSL II Risk Assessment Form

Regulation links

• NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules

IBC Roster

WMU IBC Roster

Meeting Minutes

• 12/12/2025 Minutes

Additional Resources

WMU Environmental Health and Safety

• Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan

Submit a concern

Use the WMU Reporting Hotline to submit concerns. Select “Make a Report” at the top of the page.

Contacts

Julia Mays
(269) 387-8293     
Director Research Compliance

Yan Lu 
(269) 387-2084
Biosafety Officer and IBC Chair

Benjamin Koestler
(269) 387-5600
IBC Vice Chair