Use genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
If you work with biological material – or in areas where such work is conducted – you must comply with all relevant legislation, standards, procedures, and guidelines.
Refer to the Biosafety Policy for details.
Check authorisation to work with GMOs
All dealings with genetically modified organisms must be authorised. Dealings with GMOs include:
- conducting experiments with a GMO
- making, developing, producing or manufacturing a GMO
- breeding a GMO
- propagating a GMO
- using a GMO in the course of manufacturing a thing that is not a GMO
- growing, raising or culturing a GMO
- importing a GMO
- transporting a GMO
- disposing of a GMO
- and includes the possession, supply or use of a GMO for, or in the course of, a dealing mentioned above.
Identify the category of your research
The authorisation process depends on the category of your research. Use the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 to determine which category your work falls under.
| Category | Authorisation required |
|---|---|
| Exempt dealings | Approval from the UQ Institutional Biosafety Subcommittee (UQSafe). |
| Notifiable low risk dealings (NLRD) | Approval from the UQ Institutional Biosafety Subcommittee (UQSafe). |
| Licensed dealings not for intentional release (DNIR) |
Approval from the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR). Applications must be submitted through the UQ Institutional Biosafety Subcommittee. Consult with Biosafety Advisors via biosafety@uq.edu.au before initiating the application process. |
| Licensed dealings for intentional release (DIR) |
Approval from the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR). Applications must be submitted through the UQ Institutional Biosafety Subcommittee. Consult with Biosafety Advisors via biosafety@uq.edu.au before initiating the application process. |
Apply to the Institutional Biosafety Subcommittee
- For new projects, speak with your area’s safety manager or a Biosafety Advisor prior to starting the approval application. You may need time to revise your application based on their advice.
- If your work with biological material is exempt or notifiable low risk, follow the Low Risk Genetically Modified Dealings Procedure.
To submit an application:
- follow the relevant procedures and complete the required forms
- submit your application via the UQSafe-Lab Activity application register (staff login required). If you need more information about the application register, read the UQSafe application guide (PDF, 393.83 KB) or talk to your local safety/compliance officer
- ensure your application meets all requirements by the submission deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed. See the IBC page for meeting dates and deadlines.
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator guidelines are regularly updated. Even previously approved applications may need amendments when renewed.
Any enquiries should be directed to the IBC via biosafety@uq.edu.au rather than direct to the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR).
There are many categories of notifiable low-risk dealings (NLRDs). Use these proposals as examples:
- lentiviral vectors – NLRD example proposal (PDF, 1.67 MB)
- human cells and in-vivo (rodents) – NLRD example proposal (PDF, 2.29 MB)
- mammalian virus transfection including in-vivo – NLRD example proposal (PDF, 1.34 MB)
- mammalian genes, transduced into cell lines – NLRD example proposal (PDF, 1.45 MB)
- infectious viruses and cell culture – NLRD example proposal (PDF, 913.13 KB)
- genes from bacterial pathogens – NLRD example proposal (PDF, 1.24 MB)
- plants (simple) – NLRD example proposal (PDF, 758.94 KB)
- plants (complex) – NLRD example proposal (PDF, 700.55 KB)
- plants – NLRD example proposal (PDF, 1.92 MB).
Follow the relevant regulations and policies
See the Biosafety Policy for UQ-specific requirements.
The National Regulatory Scheme for Genetically Modified Organisms includes federal and state legislation. It is administered by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR).
Visit the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) website for guidance on:
- certified physical containment (PC) facilities
- transport, storage, and disposal of GMOs
- accreditation of organisations
- risk analysis for licence applications.
OGTR guidelines must be followed.
Label, store and record GMOs correctly
The requirements for labelling, recordkeeping and storage are outlined in the Requirements for the Identification of Genetically Modified Organisms in Storage Guideline.
Contact the your area’s safety manager for information about GMO labels.