NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules Training
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) requires researchers working with recombinant DNA receive training on the Guidelines. This September Harvard University EHS has launched an online training to fulfill this requirement. To access the online training please go to the NIH rDNA Training.
The original NIH rDNA guidelines were issued in 1976 due to public concern for safety, environmental impact, and ethical implications of rDNA research. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide procedures for the containment and safe handling of rDNA molecules, organisms and viruses containing rDNA molecules, and transgenic animals. After completing this training, participants will be able to describe the requirements of the NIH rDNA Guidelines, list the responsibilities of the Institution, the Institutional Biosafety Committee, the Principal Investigator and the Biosafety Office under the guidelines, determine what approvals are necessary prior to initiating their experiments and describe the risk assessment process.
An interesting history of the Guidelines was written by D.S. Frederickson http://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/FF/B/B/K/C/_/ffbbkc.pdf
