| Members and Terms of Reference |
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Institutional Biosafety Committee
Role
The Institutional Biosafety Committee is responsible for ensuring that Melbourne Health and the researchers, who work under its auspices, fulfil their legal responsibilities under the Gene Technology Act 2000 and the Gene Technology Regulations 2001.
Membership
Prof. Stephen Jane (Chairman)
Cellular and Molecular Biologist
Dr. Michael Duffy
Molecular Biologist
Dr. Chris Birch
Virologist
Dr. Glen Scholz
Molecular Biologist
Dr. Tim Hewitson
Molecular Biologist
Dr. Rod Luwor
Molecular Biologist
Mr. Cecil D’Cruz
Independent Member and Biosafety Engineer
Mrs. Marie Gerrard
Biological Safety Expert
Dr. Sarah Rickard
Gene Technology and Biosafety Officer
Quorum
A quorum shall consist of 5 members. The decision as to whether there is appropriate representation of members present at any particular meeting will be made by those present at the meeting. Generally however, a quorum shall consist of:
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Persons with expertise relevant to work undertaken at Melbourne Health including four persons who have expertise in one or more of the following disciplines
· Molecular biology, microbiology, virology, biochemistry or biochemical/Biosafety engineering;
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An independent member;
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The Gene Technology and Biosafety Officer.
Responsibilities
- To undertake assessment and review of all dealings involving the use of genetically modified organisms, as outlined in the Gene Technology Act 2000 and the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 and any relevant legislation or regulations. The assessment and review is to include consideration of the actual and potential risks involved in the dealings, the competence of the personnel and the security of the laboratory facilities.
- To inspect and recommend for certification to the Gene Technology Regulator, Physical Containment facilities before they are used for genetic manipulation work. Annual inspections of these facilities, to maintain certification, must also be undertaken.
- To receive reports of incidents involving the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and recommend actions for improvement or remediation.
- To ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place to receive and deal with any complaints about research involving GMOs within Melbourne Health.
Reporting
- To report to the Chief Executive Officer of Melbourne Health.
Meeting Frequency
- The Committee will meet quarterly.
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