Regulatory Committees
At MSM there are multiple internal regulatory committees put in place to ensure that all research conforms to the highest standards of ethics, compassion and professional responsibility. Researchers must comply with the latest university and government guidelines for the protection of human and animal research subjects, scientific conduct and statements of conflict of interest. These committees also offer education and training for researchers and students.
Radiation Safety
To establish policy that will ensure compliance with Chapter 391-3-17, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, as well as Federal and local radiation safety laws and codes. The MSM/Atlanta University Center Radiation Safety Program is designed to protect all users of radioactive materials or machines producing ionizing radiation at MSM, its affiliates and Atlanta University Center member institutions. The primary focus of the program is to protect the health and safety of all users, staff and the general public, from the harmful effects of radiation by keeping all exposure As Low as Reasonably Achievable (ALARA).
Contact Information
Cassandra Broadus, Administrative Assistant
Phone: (404) 752-1950
Institutional Review Board
The MSM Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the Protection of Human Subjects in Research is a standing committee responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of people who are subjects of MSM research activities. The MSM IRB Procedures Manual sets forth the IRB's basic operational procedures.
MSM's policy regarding the use of human subjects in research states:
All MSM research activities proposing to involve human subjects must be reviewed and
receive written, unconditional approval from the IRB before commencing.
This policy applies to ALL research, including that in the humanities, and behavioral and social sciences regardless of whether it is funded or not.
The IRB meets once per month during the academic year and once each month during the summer to review studies qualifying for Full Board review. Studies qualifying for Exempt or Expedited review are considered on an ongoing basis.
The IRB, not the researcher, determines the review level. All applications for review and correspondence with the IRB should be directed to the administrative office of the IRB. For forms, application information, study submission deadlines, administrative concerns, and general inquiries, see additional information below.
Contact Information
Brenda Klement, PhD, Chair
Phone: (404) 752-1637
John C. Smith, MSW, CIM, Manager
Phone: (404) 752-1973
Patricia Windfield, Administrative Secretary
Phone: (404) 752-1102
Biosafety
The IBC has been charged by Federal law with the planning and implementation of the campus Biosafety Program with a purpose to ensure the health and safety of all personnel working with biohazardous agents. The IBC makes certain that research conducted at the Institution is in compliance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules and the Select Agent Rule, drafts campus biosafety policies and procedures, and reviews individual research proposals for biosafety concerns.
Contact Information
Gale Newman, PhD, Chair
Phone: (404) 752-1636
Institutional Safety
The Institutional Safety committee promotes health and safety programs, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection in teaching, research, and administrative activities.
- Training and education of students, faculty, staff, and visitors to ensure a safe campus
- Conduct hazard assessments
- Monitor equipment and materials
- Provide internal and external compliance reporting
- Foster relationships internally and externally in order to maintain knowledgeable individuals and a safe environment
Responsibilities and Functions:
- Promotes environmental safety in accordance with OSHA guidelines.
- Conducts regular inspections of all buildings and facilities on campus.
- Ensures that all safety issues are addressed.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
The AUC/MSM IACUC oversees the institution's animal program, facilities and procedures. The IACUC membership includes representatives of the AUC institutions, the attending veterinarian, a non-scientist, and a non-affiliated member. The primary function of IACUC is to review applications from investigators for the use of animals in their experimental procedures following criteria set forth in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Additionally, IACUC reviews any individual concerns reported to the Institutional Official, IACUC Chair, Institutional Veterinarian, or any member of the IACUC.
Contact Information
Ward Kirlin, PhD
Phone: (404) 752-1709