Institute Biosafety Committee (IBSC), IIT Bombay
In India, activities involving hazardous microorganisms, genetically engineered (GE) organisms, or cells and their products are governed by the Rules, 1989, established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. These rules mandate institutions handling such materials to establish an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) that will serve as the nodal point for implementation of biosafety regulatory framework within the institution.
In compliance with Rules, 1989, IIT Bombay has established an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) to oversee all research, use and applications involving hazardous microorganisms, GE organisms or cells and their products within the institute.
You may access the latest version of the Handbook for Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBSCs), Third Revised Edition, September 2020 here.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) at IIT Bombay:
- Biosafety Evaluation & Risk Management – Assess research infrastructure, safety protocols, and expertise for HMOs, GMOs, LMOs, and GE research at IIT Bombay, ensuring effective risk assessment, management, and emergency response.
- Regulatory Oversight & Compliance – Review, approve, or reject biosafety-related research applications, conduct lab inspections, report non-compliance, and implement health surveillance for researchers handling biological materials.
- Guidance & Training – Provide biosafety guidance to Principal Investigators and researchers, organize training sessions on biosafety and related topics.
- Reporting & Documentation – Submit annual reports, medical surveillance data, and transfer details to the relevant regulatory authorities like RCGM and DBT.
IITB-IBSC Composition
| Designation | Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Chairperson | Dr. Anirban Banerjee | Professor, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay |
| Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Nominee | Dr. Anand D. Ballal | Scientific Officer (H), BARC |
| Member Secretary | Dr. Nivethida T. | Professor, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay |
| Biosafety Officer | Dr. Arvind Meshram | Chief Medical Officer, IIT Bombay Hospital |
| Internal Member | Dr. Sarika Mehra | Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Bombay |
| Internal Member | Dr. Abhijit Majumder | Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Bombay |
| Internal Member | Dr. Prasenjit Bhaumik | Professor, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay |
| Internal Member | Dr. Prakriti Tayalia | Professor, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay |
| Internal Member | Dr. Shobhna Kapoor | Professor, Department of Chemistry, IIT Bombay |
| Internal Member | Mr. Sajith K. V. | Safety Officer, IIT Bombay |
| External Expert | Dr. Deepak Modi | Scientist F, NIRRH |
Tentative dates
| Tentative Dates of IBSC Meetings | Last Date for Proposal Submission |
|---|---|
| 09 April 2025 | 19 March 2025 |
| 12 November 2025 | 22 October 2025 |
Downloadable forms
- Proforma for Submitting Project Details to Institute Biosafety Committee (Rev 02)
- Proforma for Submitting Annual Progress Report for IBSC Approved Projects
- Medical Surveillance Report – Form A4
- Confidentiality Agreement with IBSC Members, including DBT Nominee – Form A5
- Format for Information on Bio-Containment Facilities
Note: Faculty members are requested to submit their proposals in a single pdf file for IBSC review by email to safetyofficer[at]iitb.ac.in.
Links to resources on biosafety
| Link to Rules, act and Guidelines of Department of Biotechnology (DBT) | https://ibkp.dbtindia.gov.in/Content/Rules/ |
| Link to Biosafety Video | https://youtu.be/QD90M8F_DPI |
| Link to Biosafety Manual | https://www.iitb.ac.in/safety/en/bio-safety-manual |
For further assistance, contact:
Safety officer
Fire and Safety Section, Near Staff Hostel, IIT Bombay
Extension- 7034, 3026
For emergency contact:
- Quick Reponses Team (QRT)- 9833338989,
- Main Gate extension. 1122