Trials Involving GMOs

Both the MCRI and the RCH are Accredited under the Gene Technology Act. Accreditation ensures the organisation has the governance and resources to manage GMO dealings.

If your trial involves a GMO there are a few additional steps involved in the regulatory, ethics and governance approval processes.

Regulatory Approval:  GMOs are regulated in Australia by the Office of Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR).  The OGTR has specific responsibility to protect the health and safety of people, and to protect the environment from any risks posed by gene technology.

Approval is obtained by submitting an application to the Institutional Biosafety Committee. The IBC is responsible for ensuring that research involving GMOs complies with the national safety and regulatory standards. The IBC works closely with the OGTR.

Find out more about the Regulator’s role and functions.

Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) - applications for trials involving GMOs are required to have approval from the Campus IBC before submission to the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).

Find out more about IBC Process MCRI Intranet Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)