Research Compliance and Tech Transfer

External and Affiliated Investigators — Biosafety and Biohazard-Regulated Research

The University of Montana Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) will review and support external and affiliated researcher requests to conduct biosafety-regulated research on UM property, on a fee-based schedule.

When a researcher is not engaged with the University of Montana as an employee or student for the purposes of a proposed project, that project is considered external and is charged a review and/or facility use fee, regardless of the for-profit or non-profit nature of the researcher, company, or agency.

Affiliate and Griz Visitor status

Non-UM researchers who need a NetID, Griz Card, or recurring campus access must first be approved as a Faculty Affiliate or Griz Visitor before beginning work under this policy.

Faculty Affiliates: researchers, preceptors, or collaborators associated with a UM academic department. New affiliates must complete the application and approval steps outlined by the Office of the Provost before requesting IBC review.

Griz Visitors: dependent, contractual, or other non-research affiliates who need a Griz Card without a research role apply through Human Resources Services (406-243-6766).

Enroll in Emergency Messaging

We recommend all affiliates enroll in emergency messaging as soon as their NetID is active. Affiliates do not have a University of Montana email account, so log into GrizPortal and, under Personal Information, set a personal email alias and a cell phone number to receive emergency emails and text alerts.

Renewals

Faculty Affiliate appointments automatically expire on September 30 each year. The Office of the Provost requests renewals each July and works with sponsoring departments to approve them.

Griz Cards and NetID access will automatically deactivate if an affiliate's status is not renewed by the expiration date. Affiliates should confirm renewal with their sponsoring department each summer to avoid a lapse in system access, since a deactivated Griz Card or NetID will also suspend access to any approved IBC work areas.

Scope of IBC review

Biosafety-regulated research on UM property — IBC

Any work with a biohazardous, recombinant, or synthetic biological agent by an affiliate while associated with the University. Requires IBC review and approval of a Biosafety Registration before work can be initiated or utilized within University campuses.

When IBC review is required

1. The research involves a biohazardous, recombinant, or synthetic biological agent and is conducted anywhere on UM property; or
2. A biohazardous, recombinant, or synthetic biological agent is brought into, or used within, the Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) animal facility — regardless of where the broader research is based.

Also housing or using animals in the LAR facility?

If your biosafety-regulated research also involves animal housing or LAR equipment (for example, an ABSL-2 room, a chemical hazard room, or quarantine involving a regulated agent), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) review is separately required, in addition to IBC review, and you will also need to execute the Laboratory Animal Resources and Equipment Use and Consent Agreement. See the companion "External and Affiliated Investigators — Animal Research (IACUC)" page for that process and its fees.

Cost of review and facility use

Fees below apply to external companies or investigators requesting IBC review. If your project also requires IACUC review, that committee's fees apply separately (see the IACUC page). Additional and separate facility fees will be charged if your work occurs within LAR.

IBC registration and amendment review fees — external company or investigator

*IBC fees will not be applied to administrative changes such as personnel changes or IBC-required administrative updates. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change.

Contact

Questions about external or affiliated researcher access to biosafety-regulated research, registration review, or fees should be directed to: