This week, the National Institutes of Health issued several notices of interest to OHSU researchers. The following is a summary of the agency’s recent announcements:

NIH issues finalized policy on genomic data sharing

The NIH has issued a final NIH Genomic Data Sharing policy. Starting with funding applications submitted for a Jan. 25, 2015, receipt date, the policy will apply to all NIH-funded, large-scale human and nonhuman projects that generate genomic data. If you’re applying, you must state in your cover letter that you will be generating this type of data; applications are now required to include a genomic data sharing plan. Refer to the implementation guidelines to learn more about how this new policy may affect you, and see further comments in Nature.

Changes to IACUC guidance from NIH

The NIH has issued new guidance regarding how you manage IACUC review, clarifying when additional review may be needed–such as when you need to make significant changes to your protocols, e.g. nonsurvival to survival surgery, changes in housing, or alterations of the study objectives–or when changes can be made administratively. Our IACUC leadership is currently weighing the implications of this guidance. Stay tuned, and in the meantime you can read what your colleagues across the U.S. said about this dilemma.

September is National Biosafety Stewardship Month

Your federal agencies care about your safety, and they want you to care too: September is National Biosafety Stewardship Month, a new effort to make sure we don’t expose one another to anthrax or flu or other dangerous things. They are urging all DHHS grantees to participate in this effort and remain vigilant about safety.