Location: Plant Genetics Research
Project Number: 5070-21220-046-004-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 1, 2022
End Date: Jun 30, 2027
Objective:
To utilize the Office of Research’s Institutional Biological Safety Committee of the University of Missouri to ensure compliance of USDA-ARS scientists with the National Institute of Health Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines) for the safe conduct of research employing recombinant technology, including protecting crops and livestock from pests and disease or improving the quality and safety of agricultural products, and research with biohazardous materials and toxins.
Approach:
USDA-ARS and University of Missouri conduct research that employs recombinant DNA technology, synthetic nucleic acids and other potential biohazards (e.g., infectious agents, oncogenes, zoonotic pathogens, and biological toxins). To avoid conflict, ambiguity, and duplication of efforts regarding biosafety protocols, reviews, and record-keeping, USDA-ARS and the University of Missouri desire to operate under a single set of rules/ guidelines that all employees (ARS and University of Missouri) will follow at the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Midwest Area, (Plant Genetics Research, Cropping Systems and Water Quality, and Biological Control of Insects) research units, located at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO.
