Where an IRB is concerned with protecting the rights, safety, and welfare of human subjects, an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is responsible for reviewing projects that involve biologic agents such as recombinant DNA, RNAi, pathogens, and other potentially infectious material, as well as transgenic animals.
An IBC provides recommendations to community in matters pertaining to the control of biohazards associated with the use of microbiological agents and their vectors. It also represents the interests of the surrounding community with respect to public health and protection of the environment.