Gene technology

Dealings with GMOs or the use of genetically altered materials to produce goods and services occurs in a range of areas, including:    

• research (e.g. basic research in biology and medicine with micro-organisms and transgenic animals)
• agriculture (e.g.  genetic modification of crops to incorporate resistance to pests and diseases, herbicide tolerance, slow the ripening of fruit or alter the timing and duration of flower production)
• therapeutic goods(e.g. the modification of micro-organisms to produce therapeutic products such as insulin and vaccines)
• medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of disease
• industry (e.g. production of enzymes for use in food processing and paper pulp production and biological leaching of minerals)
• bio-remediation (e.g. use of micro-organisms to decompose toxic substances and clean-up industrial sites or environmental accidents)

Approval and review process

The VU Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) ensures all VU dealings with GMOs are carried out in accordance with the law.  The committee oversees the approval and review process, and ensures teachers and researchers incorporate the management of risks associated with GMOs into the design, conduct and review of projects.

The VU IBC is made up of:

• a Chairperson
• a Microbiologist
• a Gene Technology Safety Officer
• a Biological Safety Officer
• an Engineer
• an Occupational Health and Safety Representative
• an external member capable of exercising independent judgement in relation to the work of the IBC

The VU IBC is accredited by the Office of Gene Technology Regulator ('OGTR'). The OGTR assists the Gene Technology Regulator with managing risks associated with GMOs and the implementation of the Gene Technology Act 2000 (Cth) and associated regulations. The Gene Technology Regulator evaluates applications, issues licences and monitors accredited organisations - including VU.

Contact us

Further information about the biosafety approval and review process at VU are available from the Institutional Biosafety Committee Executive Officer:

Ms Elizabeth Hill
Institutional Biosafety Committee
Building C, Level 3, Room 303
Footscray Park Campus
Phone: +61 3 9919 4781
Email: Elizabeth.Hill@vu.edu.au 

Mail to:
Ms Elizabeth Hill
Institutional Biosafety Committee
Victoria University
Office for Research
PO Box 14428 Melbourne
Victoria 8001
AUSTRALIA

Professor Bob Fairclough
Institutional Biosafety Committee
Chairperson
Phone: +61 3 9919 8136
Email: bob.fairclough@vu.edu.au