The Committee on Assessment of Biohazards and Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (CAB/ESCRO) was formed in January of 1975 to ensure the safe and responsible conduct of biological research at MIT. CAB/ESCRO reviews investigations involving potential health and safety problems associated with biological research. The composition and structure of the committee conforms to the requirements of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules, and the National Academy of Sciences Guidance on Oversight of Embryonic Stem Cell Research (2005). The scope of the committee has changed over time to provide a more consistent and cohesive oversight process for a range of biological research and new technologies.
The Committee’s oversight process is based on the requirement that all biological research that falls within their purview is registered, reviewed, and approved on an annual basis at a CAB/ESCRO meeting.
The CAB/ESCRO Review and Approval Process is based on the completion and submission of the Biological Research Registration (BRR) Form to the EHS Biosafety Program (BSP). BSP provides administrative support to the CAB/ESCRO. The EHS Associate Director for BSP serves as the Institutional Biosafety Officer, Executive Secretary, and contact person for the CAB/ESCRO.
At MIT, the CAB/ESCRO must give annual approval for the continuation of all biological research involving:
Research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid (rDNA or SNA) technologies (including viral vectors)
All uses of microorganisms
Biological toxins
Human, animal, or plant pathogens including prions
Human and non-human primate (NHP) materials, cells, and tissues
Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)
Nanoparticle-based gene or drug delivery systems
Use of any of the biological materials listed above in animals or humans
All academic courses with laboratory components that utilize any of the biological materials listed above
The CAB/ESCRO along with the EHS Biosafety Program work with the MIT Occupational Health Program to determine the necessity for immunizations or health surveillance for personnel involved in biological research projects.
Note that the review process may take a few weeks, depending on the following factors:
The complexity of the proposed research
The completeness of the application
Supporting documentation or information for clarification as determined by the Biosafety Program
The availability of you or a member of your technical staff to answer questions
Upcoming CAB/ESCRO Meeting Dates
Due Date for Submission of Registrations
December 12
November 8
January 9
December 6
February 13
January 10
March 13
February 7
April 10
March 7
May 8
April 4
June 12
May 9
No July meeting
August 14
July 11
September 11
August 8
October 9
September 5
November 13
October 10
No December meeting
The Committee has also developed policies establishing guidelines for the safe and responsible conduct of biological research in the laboratory and the use of various biological materials in animals:
All MIT Principal Investigators (PIs) that wish to conduct biological research falling within the scope of the CAB/ESCRO must initiate the review and approval process by submission of a Biological Research Registration (BRR) to BSP. The registration document must be completed, and all questions and concerns raised during the independent internal BSP review must be addressed before the document is placed on the agenda for the next CAB/ESCRO meeting. New BRRs must have approval from the CAB/ESCRO before initiating the research project.
Each PI is required to submit a full rewrite every 3 years. The rewrite is meant to ensure the registration document remains accurate with the research conducting in the lab.
The renewal is a brief update of research goals and progress over the past year.
Approved BRRs have an active period of 3 years contingent upon submission of an Annual Renewal
Renewals must be reviewed and approved by the CAB/ESCRO Executive Secretary for the approval to be maintained.
Renewals are subject to full committee review at any time.
All research registrations may be amended at any time during the 3 year active period. Amendments are meant to add new research materials, processes, personnel, or rooms to the registration. Any new bacteria, cell line, or new rDNA work (new gene targets, new vectors, etc.) require an amendment.
Amendments that fall outside the purview of the NIH Guidelines or that fall under section III-E or III-F of the Guidelines, may be given administrative approval at the discretion of the Institutional Biosafety Officer
All amendments that fall under section III-A, B, C, or D of the NIH Guidelines cannot be administratively approved but must wait for the next duly constituted CAB/ESCRO meeting for approval prior to initiation of the work outlined in the amendment
All administratively approved amendments are reviewed at the next CAB/ESCRO meeting. If any questions or concerns arise at that time the PI must respond to all committee concerns. Research that must be conducted at BL2+ cannot proceed without full committee review and approval before initiation of the project. Investigators must meet all the requirements set forth in the committee’s policy on BL2+ laboratories prior to initiation of the work.
BRRs may be placed on hold if all biological research subject to CAB/ESCRO approval has currently ended but there may be the continuation of the work in the future. A BRR that is on hold is NOT approved and therefore no biological research subject to CAB/ESCRO approval may be conducted while the registration is on hold.
Requirements for annual renewal of the registration are waived while a BRR is on hold; however, BSP staff will contact the PI each year to confirm that the registration shall remain on hold. To place a BRR on hold, use the BRR Renewal form.
A registration that is on hold may be reactivated at any time. In order to reactivate the registration, a complete Rewrite must be submitted for CAB/ESCRO review and approval. Project details may be changed or updated as needed in the Rewrite but no work may commence until CAB/ESCRO approval has been given.
If the work described on a registration has ceased permanently, the registration may be terminated at the request of the PI. Registrations may be terminated at any time.
Termination of a registration removes all CAB/ESCRO approval, regardless of the expiration date. If a PI has chosen to terminate their registration, any new biological research proposed by that PI and subject to CAB/ESCRO oversight must be submitted as a new registration. To terminate a registration, use the BRR Renewal form and indicate that the registration will be terminated.
Responsibility for a BRR may be transferred to another PI. If a PI chooses to transfer their BRR to another PI, they must notify BSP of their desire to do so, and identify the PI that will assume responsibility.
A BRR transfer is typically done through the submission of an amendment and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Only upon approval of the transfer by the CAB/ESCRO will the BRR will be transferred into the name of the new PI.
Useful Links:
National Institute of Health (NIH) Guidelines: The NIH Guidelines outline the responsibilities of the IBC, Institute, biosafety officers, and researchers involved in recombinant DNA (rDNA) or synthetic nucleic acid research. The NIH Guidelines gives guidance on containment levels and recommended practices as each biosafety level. The most current copy of the NIH Guidelines (November 2013 version) can be found at: http://osp.od.nih.gov/office-biotechnology-activities/biosafety/nih-guidelines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC website can be a resource on specific information regarding human pathogens. In addition, the CDC publishes and maintains the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), which is the cornerstone guidance document for Biosafety. The most current version of the BMBL 5th edition can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/biosafety/publications/bmbl5/index.htm.
ABSA International: ABSA International is the professional association for biosafety professionals. The ABSA International website provides information on current topics in biosafety, upcoming training and seminars, and credentialing programs. In addition, this website provides a risk group database that gives guidance on different biological agents and their associated risk group designation assigned by the NIH, CDC, and other international groups. The risk group database can be found at: https://my.absa.org/tiki-index.php?page=Riskgroups.
Public Health Agency of Canada: The Canada public health website has compiled technical data on many pathogens. The website contains many useful Pathogen Safety Data Sheets (PSDS) which list background information on transmission, signs and symptoms, medical treatment, recommended containment levels, disinfection, and guidance on appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). The PSDS website can be found at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/res/psds-ftss/index-eng.php.
Biological Agent Reference Sheets (BARS) are reference sheets containing information on biological agents used in research labs. The information provides an overview of the agent, signs and symptoms of exposure, decontamination, and spill procedures. These BARS are for general educational purposes only. If you have any other questions concerning Biological agents please contact BSP@mit.edu
The Committee on Assessment of Biohazards and Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (CAB/ESCRO) was formed in January of 1975 to ensure the safe and responsible conduct of biological research at MIT. CAB/ESCRO reviews investigations involving potential health and safety problems associated with biological research. The composition and structure of the committee conforms to the requirements of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules, and the National Academy of Sciences Guidance on Oversight of Embryonic Stem Cell Research (2005). The scope of the committee has changed over time to provide a more consistent and cohesive oversight process for a range of biological research and new technologies.
The Committee’s oversight process is based on the requirement that all biological research that falls within their purview is registered, reviewed, and approved on an annual basis at a CAB/ESCRO meeting.
The CAB/ESCRO Review and Approval Process is based on the completion and submission of the Biological Research Registration (BRR) Form to the EHS Biosafety Program (BSP). BSP provides administrative support to the CAB/ESCRO. The EHS Associate Director for BSP serves as the Institutional Biosafety Officer, Executive Secretary, and contact person for the CAB/ESCRO.
At MIT, the CAB/ESCRO must give annual approval for the continuation of all biological research involving:
Research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid (rDNA or SNA) technologies (including viral vectors)
All uses of microorganisms
Biological toxins
Human, animal, or plant pathogens including prions
Human and non-human primate (NHP) materials, cells, and tissues
Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)
Nanoparticle-based gene or drug delivery systems
Use of any of the biological materials listed above in animals or humans
All academic courses with laboratory components that utilize any of the biological materials listed above
The CAB/ESCRO along with the EHS Biosafety Program work with the MIT Occupational Health Program to determine the necessity for immunizations or health surveillance for personnel involved in biological research projects.
Note that the review process may take a few weeks, depending on the following factors:
The complexity of the proposed research
The completeness of the application
Supporting documentation or information for clarification as determined by the Biosafety Program
The availability of you or a member of your technical staff to answer questions
Upcoming CAB/ESCRO Meeting Dates
Due Date for Submission of Registrations
December 12
November 8
January 9
December 6
February 13
January 10
March 13
February 7
April 10
March 7
May 8
April 4
June 12
May 9
No July meeting
August 14
July 11
September 11
August 8
October 9
September 5
November 13
October 10
No December meeting
The Committee has also developed policies establishing guidelines for the safe and responsible conduct of biological research in the laboratory and the use of various biological materials in animals:
All MIT Principal Investigators (PIs) that wish to conduct biological research falling within the scope of the CAB/ESCRO must initiate the review and approval process by submission of a Biological Research Registration (BRR) to BSP. The registration document must be completed, and all questions and concerns raised during the independent internal BSP review must be addressed before the document is placed on the agenda for the next CAB/ESCRO meeting. New BRRs must have approval from the CAB/ESCRO before initiating the research project.
Each PI is required to submit a full rewrite every 3 years. The rewrite is meant to ensure the registration document remains accurate with the research conducting in the lab.
The renewal is a brief update of research goals and progress over the past year.
Approved BRRs have an active period of 3 years contingent upon submission of an Annual Renewal
Renewals must be reviewed and approved by the CAB/ESCRO Executive Secretary for the approval to be maintained.
Renewals are subject to full committee review at any time.
All research registrations may be amended at any time during the 3 year active period. Amendments are meant to add new research materials, processes, personnel, or rooms to the registration. Any new bacteria, cell line, or new rDNA work (new gene targets, new vectors, etc.) require an amendment.
Amendments that fall outside the purview of the NIH Guidelines or that fall under section III-E or III-F of the Guidelines, may be given administrative approval at the discretion of the Institutional Biosafety Officer
All amendments that fall under section III-A, B, C, or D of the NIH Guidelines cannot be administratively approved but must wait for the next duly constituted CAB/ESCRO meeting for approval prior to initiation of the work outlined in the amendment
All administratively approved amendments are reviewed at the next CAB/ESCRO meeting. If any questions or concerns arise at that time the PI must respond to all committee concerns. Research that must be conducted at BL2+ cannot proceed without full committee review and approval before initiation of the project. Investigators must meet all the requirements set forth in the committee’s policy on BL2+ laboratories prior to initiation of the work.
BRRs may be placed on hold if all biological research subject to CAB/ESCRO approval has currently ended but there may be the continuation of the work in the future. A BRR that is on hold is NOT approved and therefore no biological research subject to CAB/ESCRO approval may be conducted while the registration is on hold.
Requirements for annual renewal of the registration are waived while a BRR is on hold; however, BSP staff will contact the PI each year to confirm that the registration shall remain on hold. To place a BRR on hold, use the BRR Renewal form.
A registration that is on hold may be reactivated at any time. In order to reactivate the registration, a complete Rewrite must be submitted for CAB/ESCRO review and approval. Project details may be changed or updated as needed in the Rewrite but no work may commence until CAB/ESCRO approval has been given.
If the work described on a registration has ceased permanently, the registration may be terminated at the request of the PI. Registrations may be terminated at any time.
Termination of a registration removes all CAB/ESCRO approval, regardless of the expiration date. If a PI has chosen to terminate their registration, any new biological research proposed by that PI and subject to CAB/ESCRO oversight must be submitted as a new registration. To terminate a registration, use the BRR Renewal form and indicate that the registration will be terminated.
Responsibility for a BRR may be transferred to another PI. If a PI chooses to transfer their BRR to another PI, they must notify BSP of their desire to do so, and identify the PI that will assume responsibility.
A BRR transfer is typically done through the submission of an amendment and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Only upon approval of the transfer by the CAB/ESCRO will the BRR will be transferred into the name of the new PI.
Useful Links:
National Institute of Health (NIH) Guidelines: The NIH Guidelines outline the responsibilities of the IBC, Institute, biosafety officers, and researchers involved in recombinant DNA (rDNA) or synthetic nucleic acid research. The NIH Guidelines gives guidance on containment levels and recommended practices as each biosafety level. The most current copy of the NIH Guidelines (November 2013 version) can be found at: http://osp.od.nih.gov/office-biotechnology-activities/biosafety/nih-guidelines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC website can be a resource on specific information regarding human pathogens. In addition, the CDC publishes and maintains the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), which is the cornerstone guidance document for Biosafety. The most current version of the BMBL 5th edition can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/biosafety/publications/bmbl5/index.htm.
ABSA International: ABSA International is the professional association for biosafety professionals. The ABSA International website provides information on current topics in biosafety, upcoming training and seminars, and credentialing programs. In addition, this website provides a risk group database that gives guidance on different biological agents and their associated risk group designation assigned by the NIH, CDC, and other international groups. The risk group database can be found at: https://my.absa.org/tiki-index.php?page=Riskgroups.
Public Health Agency of Canada: The Canada public health website has compiled technical data on many pathogens. The website contains many useful Pathogen Safety Data Sheets (PSDS) which list background information on transmission, signs and symptoms, medical treatment, recommended containment levels, disinfection, and guidance on appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). The PSDS website can be found at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/res/psds-ftss/index-eng.php.
Biological Agent Reference Sheets (BARS) are reference sheets containing information on biological agents used in research labs. The information provides an overview of the agent, signs and symptoms of exposure, decontamination, and spill procedures. These BARS are for general educational purposes only. If you have any other questions concerning Biological agents please contact BSP@mit.edu