Purpose |
The aim of this policy is to ensure that activities conducted at Monash University that involve the use of gene technologies are conducted in accordance with the Australian Commonwealth Gene Technology Act 2000, Regulations 2001 and any directions from the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) in Australia and the Malaysian Biosafety Act 2007, Regulations 2009 and directions from the National Biosafety Board in Malaysia. By subjecting all relevant activities to appropriate Monash University Institutional Biosafety Committee (MUIBC) review Monash will ensure maximum compliance with current legislative frameworks as they apply to gene technologies |
Scope |
All Monash University staff and students, full time, part time, casual or adjunct
All campuses of the University
All visitors to the campuses of the University
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Policy Statement |
As an educational and research institution, Monash recognises its responsibility to ensure all its activities are conducted in a safe and appropriate manner in order to protect the health and safety of staff, students and the broader community, and to protect the environment, by identifying and managing any risk associated with the use of gene technology.
Gene technologies, also known as genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technologies, allow the deliberate alteration of the genetic material of living things to enhance or remove a particular trait and allow the organism to perform new functions. Genes within a species can be modified, or genes can be moved from one species to another. Gene technologies can be used to develop better and novel therapies to improve the animal and human condition while maintaining a sustainable environment.
The University is committed to playing a responsible and ethical role in the use of gene technologies. It aims to achieve maximum compliance with gene technology legislation through continually monitoring activities involving gene technology and managing the risks associated with new emerging technologies. This will be achieved by:
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the implementation of this policy and associated procedures for obtaining approval of activities involving gene technologies from the MUIBC and the OGTR (Australia) or the National Biosafety Board (Malaysia);
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continuing education of its MUIBC members on the content of the relevant legislation and other developing issues relating to gene technology and university activities;
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continuing education of the Monash community about managing the risks associated with use of gene technology, the handling and storage of genetically modified organisms and this policy and accompanying procedures;
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monitoring of activities to ensure staff and students are aware of their obligations under the relevant legislation and this policy and are maintaining compliance.
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Supporting procedures |
Activities Involving Genetically Modified Organisms Procedures
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Supporting guidelines |
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Responsibility for implementation |
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
Monash Research Committee
Campus Research Committee (Sunway)
Research Graduate School Committee
Monash Education Committee
Monash University Institutional Biosafety Committee
Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee
Monash University Animal Welfare Committee
Departmental/School Animal Ethics Committees
Monash Research Office
Heads of academic/administrative units and controlled entities
Research supervisors and managers
Research staff
Students
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Status |
New |
Key Stakeholders |
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
Monash Research Committee
Campus Research Committee (Sunway)
Research Graduate School Committee
Monash Education Committee
Monash University Institutional Biosafety Committee
Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee
Monash University Animal Welfare Committee
Departmental/School Animal Ethics Committees
Monash Research Office
Heads of academic/administrative units and controlled entities
Research supervisors and managers
Research staff
Students |
Approval body |
Name: Academic Board
Meeting: 6/2009
Date: 25-November-2009
Agenda item: 17.1.3
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Endorsement body |
Name: Monash Research Committee
Meeting: 6/09
Date: 29-September-2009
Agenda item: 9.1
Name: Education Committee
Meeting: 5/09
Date: 08-October-2009
Agenda item: 14.2
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Definitions |
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Related legislation |
Australia
Gene Technology Act 2000 and Gene Technology Regulations 2001 |
Related policies |
Conduct and Compliance Policy
Conduct and Compliance Procedure - Conflict of Interest (including Conflict of Interest in Research) |
Related documents |
Australia:
Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007)
Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
OGTR Guidelines and Forms for Certifications of Physical Containment Facilities
Malaysia:
Biosafety Act 2007
Biosafety Act Regulations 2009 |
Date Effective |
25-November-2009 |
Review Date |
25-November-2012 |
Owner |
Manager, Research Ethics and Compliance |
Author |
Manager, Research Ethics and Compliance |
Content Enquiries |
Manager Research Ethics
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