The Office of Biological Safety facilitates the Committee on Microbiological Safety (COMS). COMS is a standing faculty committee that reviews all research involving recombinant DNA as well as work involving biohazards at Harvard and its 16 affiliated institutions. The Office provides the administrative support for the Committee and the technical review of COMS applications. The Office also supports the biosafety programs at these institutions by providing additional risk assessment as well as establishing policies and procedures.

Announcements:

***COMS has revised our registration and amendment forms to include sections for Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. Please use these forms for any new registrations or amendments.

***The COMS Policy Manual has been updated to include Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules.

***COMS has created a frequently asked questions document regarding Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules.

The latest version of the NIH Guidelines can be found here.