HomeInstitutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)Create an IBC MUA

Create an IBC MUA

Start a New IBC MUA

At the top of the screen, use the IBC menu to switch to different screens, including Create IBC Application.

 

Most of the information you are asked for should be familiar to you. The following procedure provides more detail for fields that might need explanation. As you are filling out the MUA, the fields with a red * must be completed to submit your MUA for review. If you miss a field, RASS will let you know to complete any required fields upon submission.

As you are creating your MUA, you can ask for help from the IBC team by contacting cu_ibc@cornell.edu

  1. From the IBC menu, select Create IBC Application to start a new MUA.
  2. In the Project Information section, complete the following:
    • PI, Department: Choose a different PI, if necessary. RASS will fill in the other fields automatically based on information from Workday, if available.
    • Title: This can be changed later.
  3. Click Continue.

    When you click Continue, you will see the MUA screen where you can enter the project details. The MUA is now assigned an IBC number and is an official Cornell record. You can return to it at any time and can work on it for as long as you need. The record will auto-save periodically, but it is a good idea to also click “Save” at the bottom of the screen to make sure you do not lose your work.Tip: Use the Panel shortcuts section at the left to quickly jump from section to section of the MUA.

Project Info

In the Project Info section, complete the following:

  • MUA Type: Check all boxes applicable to your work..
  • If you have selected “Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules” above, select the options for this MUA will involve.
  • Add the Detailed Project Description including:.
    • Specific aims of your research. If your research involves multiple projects, you can list the aims of each project in separate paragraphs
    • Overview of experimental methods.
    • The use of research materials with animals or arthropods.
  • Click Add Lab Location. Complete the required information using the Lab Location modal.

  • Click Save to save and close the Lab Location screen.

 

Research Team

In the Research Team section, the PI is listed along with the person creating the MUA (if not the PI). You must include all personnel directly involved in this MUA.

  • To add another person, click Add Researcher and the modal will open.

  • You can search for research team members by NetID or partial name in the personnel name field.
  • Assign a Project Role and detail out the Responsibilities for the person you are adding.
    • Lab Contact is turned on automatically for the PI, Co-PI, Lab Manager but you can assign other members of the research team as lab contact, as well. Lab contacts are individuals who can be contacted in an emergency or during an incident response.
    • For team members marked as lab contact, the Emergency Contact Phone Number field is required. To add an Emergency Contact Phone Number for the PI, click the edit button under the Action column in the Research Team table.
    • Edit Permission is turned on automatically for the PI, Co-PI, Lab Manager but you can give other members of the research team edit permission, as well. If you are working collaboratively, only one person can edit the project record at a time. All others will only be able to view. Be sure to log out of the system when you are finished working to allow others to edit.
    • Click Save/Save Draft to save and close the research team screen.

MUA Tips

The MUA in RASS is designed so that sections of the form will display when information is required based on responses to certain questions. For example, if you select Human/Primate Materials as the MUA Type that section will be displayed. Below are some tips for completing the MUA in RASS.

  • Use the panel shortcuts on the left of the screen to navigate between sections within the form.
  • Fields that require a response are indicated with a red *.
  • Use Check Validations at the bottom of the page to see a list of fields and sections that require information but are incomplete.
    • A list of fields or sections that are incomplete will appear at the top of the MUA. The list contains a link that will take you directly to the area in the form that is incomplete.
    • Question text for incomplete fields will display in red.
    • If a table is incomplete, the Add button will be highlighted in red.
  • If a section requires a response that draws information from another section that is incomplete, you can start the new section by choosing “Can’t Find – Add New”.
  • Use the Save/Save Draft button to save your work as you go. Once saved, you can Close the window to come back and complete the information at a later time.

MUA Information

Below is a description of each section in the MUA. Note: The MUA form will display only the relevant sections for your MUA.

  • NIH Guidelines – This section describes experiments covered by the NIH Guidelines. Check the appropriate MUA category(s) for your planned experiments. If you have questions about which guidelines apply to your work, please contact cu_ibc@cornell.edu.
  • r/sNA Vector Plasmid Systems – In this section, include information about the types of vectors you will use to clone (amplify), manipulate, and shuttle r/sNA into cells or organisms; the intermediate host (e.g., E. coli, yeast) you will use to propagate the vector with the inserted DNA; the ability of the vector to replicate and produce functional copies- once inside a target recipient- along with any helper viruses that may assist with replication of viral vectors, if applicable; and additional questions relevant to your vector/plasmid systems..
  • Genes of Interest- In this section, include information about the type and nature of the r/sNA sequence(s) you wish to introduce, manipulate, or delete into cells or another organism; how you acquired the r/sNA and if it came from pathogenic organisms; and the biological activity of the sequence or gene product that may alter the biochemistry and function of the cell or organisms, especially if the sequence or gene product encodes an active toxin or is involved in an organism’s pathogenicity or virulence.
  • Genome Editing-In this section, record gene editing technologies in use. The ability to produce a gene drive is of particular interest.
  • Infectious Agents- In this section, record all infectious agents or plant pests (Risk Group 1, 2 or 3) in use.
  • Dual Use Research of Concern- if you are working with one of the identified organisms in this section please indicate yes and then complete the remaining questions in this section. This section is designed to aid the researcher in completing a DURC assessment of their research activities to make a preliminary determination if the research activities are or are not DURC.
  • Human/Primate Materials- In this section, include information about all human and/or primate materials used in research which include cells, tissues, fluids, etc.; the name for the materials (e.g., HeLa cells); the species (human or primate) from which the materials were derived; where you acquired these materials, whether derived in your own laboratory, a commercial source, or collaborator; if they are cultured directly from the source tissue (primary) or demonstrate the ability to proliferate indefinitely in vitro (established/immortalized); if it is administered to another organism, such as a rodent, and the method for that administration.
  • Live Animals/Arthropods-In this section, include all vertebrate and invertebrate species that are genetically modified, administered a genetically modified substance, administered an infectious agent, or administered a biological toxin.
  • Plants- In this section, include all plants or plant materials (leaves, seeds, etc.) that are genetically modified, have genetically modified substances applied, or are used in conjunction with infectious agents/plant pests.
  • r/sNA Target Recipients- In this section, list all species and cell lines that are the recipients of genetic modifications or are administered genetically modified materials.
  • Biological Toxins- In this section, complete all questions for all biological toxins with an LD50 less than 100 µg/kg used in your research activities .
  • Biosafety Containment – In this section, provide information about biosafety operating procedures and safety equipment.
  • Additional documents – In this section, provide any relevant documentation for your MUA that is not collected elsewhere in the form.
  • Connected Projects – In this section, provide information about related sponsored projects, IRB protocols, and/or IACUC protocols.

Requirements

Use the Requirements section to track the progress of your MUA as it moves through the approval process. If you have any questions about a status or requirement, contact cu_ibc@cornell.edu

  • The Stage – Revision table shows the status and approval date. If multiple Revisions of the MUA or project are displayed, click the magnifying glass to open a previous revision.
  • The main table lists all requirements and the completion state. “Ready to Start” means action is needed and can be taken. “Not Ready to Start” means that requirement is waiting on a previous step of the process. If you see Modification Required, hover over the text to see the full note.

Validate Fields and Submit for Review

  • At the bottom of the screen, click Check Validations to see errors you need to fix before submitting. You can do this at any time. If you have any missing information on your MUA form, RASS will provide you with links to the missing information as well as indications on the Panel Shortcuts menu.
  • When you are ready to submit your MUA to the Cornell IBC for review. Click Submit For Approval.

  • If you are the PI listed on the MUA, you will be prompted to provide your Attestation. If you are not the PI, an email will be sent to the PI requesting they provide their attestation.
  • Read the statement and then click Continue to sign the attestation.