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nonhuman animals or clinical testing on humans is subject to regulations and requirements, many focused primarily on ensuring the safety of the laboratory environment for workers. For experiments subject to the NIH Guidelines for Research involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines), there is a requirement that the research be reviewed and approved by an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). The NIH Guidelines are applicable to all research that is conducted at or sponsored by an institution that receive NIH funding for such research, however many institutions follow the requirements of the NIH Guidelines even when they are not required. IBCs review nearly all forms of research utilizing recombinant (or synthetic) nucleic acid molecules at the local institutional level (e.g., university or research center). The IBCs ensure research is conducted in conformity with the biosafety provisions of the NIH Guidelines, and assess the research for potential risks to human health and the environment.