About approval

• All projects involving a "dealing" with a GMO require written approval before work can start.
  • If you are working in a UWA facility, you must submit an application to the UWA IBC for any GM work, including an exempt dealing.
  • If you are working in facilities located within a hospital or another organisation, you may still be required to submit an application to the relevant IBC. Please contact the relevant IBC for further information. Perkins Institute for Medical Research has an agreement with UWA to make the application process easier for you.
  • In addition to project approval, the facility (room or area) where the dealing is to be conducted may need to be certified by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR).
• Project approvals from other organisations are not transferable to UWA.
• UWA approval is required before GMOs are transported from another organisation or supplier.
• Work with a genetically modified vertebrate animal requires:
  1. approval for GMO work AND
  2. animal ethics approval.

The approval process depends on the classification of the GMO. Use our What type of approval page to determine this classification and to link to the appropriate application materials.

While the Gene Technology Act enables Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) to assess and approve certain types of GMO dealings, other types require approval (licensing) by the OGTR before work can start.

The Gene Technology and Biosafety Committee (the University's IBC) conducts initial review of all GMO project applications electronically. If an agreement cannot be reached, or further information is required, applications may be tabled at the bimonthly IBC meeting. The Biosafety Manager will pre-assess applications for completeness of information and correct classification.

Dealings with GMOs that are classified as Notifiable Low Risk Dealings (NLRD) or Dealings Not involving Intentional Release into the environment (DNIR) MUST be conducted in facilities that have been certified by the OGTR.

The type of certified facility (e.g. laboratory, animal facility) and the level of containment (e.g. PC1, PC2) must be suited to the type of GMO and the activities being conducted. Refer to the following resources for more details:

Guide to Physical Containment Levels and Facility Types

Certification of Facilities by the OGTR

Dealings that are classified as Exempt do not need to be conducted in a facility that has been certified by the OGTR. However, the facility must meet some minimum (PC1) requirements.