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Genetic Modification

Information and Guidance
Genetic Modification

The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015, regulates the safe use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in containment. The regulations cover both the human health and environmental risks from work involving genetically modified micro-organisms which includes modified cell cultures. Before any GM work is started in an institution, the law requires the following: 1. The premises are notified to Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI); 2. The institution is registered as a GM Centre; 3. A Genetic Modification Safety Committee is established; 4. A Biological Safety Officer is appointed. All of the above have taken place in Queen’s University Belfast with the Biological and Infectious Agents’ Advisory Committee (BIAAC) serving as the GM Safety Committee and Dr David Norwood serving as the appointed University Biological Safety Officer.

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