Biological Research

The biosafety program has been developed to protect students, faculty, staff and visitors from potentially hazardous biological materials, assist in complying with federal, state and local regulations, standards and guidelines pertaining to biological research and to promote good laboratory practices.

Review the Institutional Biosafety Policy for more information regarding submission of a protocol.

How to Submit a Protocol

To submit a new protocol, a protocol continuation or an amendment:

  • Use the InfoEd Submission Portal.
    • InfoEd relies on pop-ups, so you may need to turn off your pop-up blocker (especially when using Chrome).
  • Select "click here" (not the more obvious username and password fields) on the main portal page in order to log in.
  • You will use your NIU username and password if you’re not already logged in through single sign-on.
  • Non-NIU affiliates will need to contact erahelp@niu.edu in order to establish a profile in the system.

There is also an informative support document Creating an IBC Submission (PDF) that provides steps and screenshots to guide you through the process.

If you are an IBC member, you may find the Reviewing an IBC Submission (PDF) document helpful.

Note:  See page seven of the policy for the new training requirements.

Protocol Submission Deadlines

View the 2024 application deadlines for the Institutional Biosafety Committee.

Application deadline Meeting Date
March 1 March 27
April 1 April 24

In general, meetings are held in January, March, May, July, September and November.

IBC meetings will be held within two weeks following the submission deadline. For finalized meeting dates or for a copy of the agenda for any of the above meetings, please email mcrase@niu.edu or call 815-753-9251.