2026 IACUC & IBC Conference Series
IBC - 9/15 | IACUC - 9/16
Seattle Children's Research Institute in downtown Seattle & Online
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute - Jack R MacDonald Building
- 1900 Ninth Avenue - Seattle, WA 98101
- Floor 11 - Soundgarden event space
- 1900 Ninth Avenue - Seattle, WA 98101
- Certificates of Attendance and presentation slides will be sent out to IBC attendees (9/15) on 9/22 at 1:30pm.
- Certificates of Attendance and presentation slides will be sent out to IACUC attendees (9/16) on 9/23.
- Virtual attendees were sent join links on 9/11 at 12:15pm Pacific Time. Any registrations made after this time will receive join links in their receipt email. Contact melissa@nwabr.org with questions. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate special/dietary requests made after 9/11 at Noon.
- Click here for the 2026 Program & Agenda
Registration Info
- Single day tickets - IACUC or IBC
- In-person - $700 Non-member | $245 Member*
- Virtual - $550 Non-member | $192.50 Member*
- 15% discount if attending both days! At registration, select the MULTIDAY ticket option.
- In-person - $1,200 Non-member | $420 Member*
- Virtual - $935 Non-member | $327.25 Member*
- *Work at an NWABR Member Institution? Use code MEMBER to get 65% off - you must register with a valid company email address. Find our member list here. You can also become an individual member of NWABR here and receive member ticket prices to all of our events.
- Additional discounts available for bulk registrations of 10+, student rates, and government employees. Contact melissa@nwabr.org for more information.
- All in-person tickets include access to the full conference program, plus all day refreshments, lunch, and a post-conference Happy Hour.
- Virtual tickets include access to the full conference program, including the ability to participate in moderated Q&A during sessions.
- This conference will not be recorded; however, registered attendees will receive access to presentation slides following the conference, except for session where presenters have not consented to sharing their materials.
- Certificates of Attendance and presentation slides will be sent out to IBC attendees (9/15) on 9/22 at 1:30pm.
- Certificates of Attendance and presentation slides will be sent out to IACUC attendees (9/16) on 9/23.
Registration & Cancellation Policies are outlined at the bottom of this webpage and on the registration page.
Click here for the 2026 Program & Agenda
IBC Conference - 9/15
NWABR’s IBC Conference is a must-attend event for Institutional Biosafety Committee members, biosafety officers, researchers, and professionals committed to safe and compliant research practices. Curated by a passionate volunteer planning committee, this conference addresses critical biosafety topics with a focus on current regulatory guidelines, innovative safety solutions, and real-world applications.
Attendees will gain valuable insights to support their daily responsibilities and ensure ethical standards in biosafety. Additionally, the conference provides unique networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect and collaborate with peers in the biosafety community. Join us to stay informed, engaged, and equipped for the evolving challenges in biosafety and research oversight.
IBC Conference Agenda (times subject to change):
- 8:30am Welcome Remarks
- 8:45am The IBC and Occupational Health: Responsibilities, Challenges, and Strategies
- Occupational health is an essential component of effective biosafety oversight, yet its role in Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) decision-making is often underdeveloped. This session will examine how IBCs and occupational health programs can work together to identify personnel-specific risks, align medical surveillance with containment decisions, and strengthen exposure prevention and response. The presentation will highlight common program gaps, clarify responsibilities among the IBC, occupational health, biosafety, and research personnel, and provide practical strategies for improving oversight, accountability, and program effectiveness.
- Susan B. Harper, DVM, MS, DACLAM, DACVPM, RBP, CBSP (Private Consultant)
- Occupational health is an essential component of effective biosafety oversight, yet its role in Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) decision-making is often underdeveloped. This session will examine how IBCs and occupational health programs can work together to identify personnel-specific risks, align medical surveillance with containment decisions, and strengthen exposure prevention and response. The presentation will highlight common program gaps, clarify responsibilities among the IBC, occupational health, biosafety, and research personnel, and provide practical strategies for improving oversight, accountability, and program effectiveness.
- 10:00am Navigating Regulatory Uncertainty in Institutional Biosafety: What to Watch, What to Do, and How to Prepare
- This session will explore the current and emerging sources of regulatory uncertainty affecting Institutional Biosafety Committees, including NIH modernization efforts and shifting federal expectations.
- Sherry S. Bohn, PhD, MSL, CBSP (University of Maryland, Baltimore & ABSA Immediate Past President)
- This session will explore the current and emerging sources of regulatory uncertainty affecting Institutional Biosafety Committees, including NIH modernization efforts and shifting federal expectations.
- 11:00am Guidelines needed for the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics in biohazardous research
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have advanced to the point of serving as useful tools in biomedical research, including research involving biohazardous materials. This presentation will explore ethical issues involving the use of AI in writing research proposals, conducting laboratory experiments and writing IBC applications.
- Daniel Eisenman, PhD, RBP, SM(NRCM), CBSP (Advarra)
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have advanced to the point of serving as useful tools in biomedical research, including research involving biohazardous materials. This presentation will explore ethical issues involving the use of AI in writing research proposals, conducting laboratory experiments and writing IBC applications.
- 1:30pm IBC Oversight of Rapidly Advancing Science in Clinical Settings
- Recent advances in biomedical science are reshaping clinical research and challenging traditional biosafety oversight frameworks. Emerging technologies, including xenotransplantation, genome editing, and cell therapies derived from engineered stem cells, raise complex questions about risk assessment, containment, and institutional responsibility. Institutional biosafety committees (IBCs), originally established to oversee research with recombinant DNA, now play an increasingly critical role in evaluating biosafety risks in clinical settings. This session will examine how IBC oversight has evolved alongside scientific innovation and explore the unique biosafety considerations posed by emerging clinical technologies. Through practical examples, the session will clarify the scope of IBC review, distinguish IBC responsibilities from those of IRBs and other oversight bodies, and highlight best practices for effective biosafety oversight of cutting-edge clinical research.
- Christopher Doyle, PhD (WCG)
- Recent advances in biomedical science are reshaping clinical research and challenging traditional biosafety oversight frameworks. Emerging technologies, including xenotransplantation, genome editing, and cell therapies derived from engineered stem cells, raise complex questions about risk assessment, containment, and institutional responsibility. Institutional biosafety committees (IBCs), originally established to oversee research with recombinant DNA, now play an increasingly critical role in evaluating biosafety risks in clinical settings. This session will examine how IBC oversight has evolved alongside scientific innovation and explore the unique biosafety considerations posed by emerging clinical technologies. Through practical examples, the session will clarify the scope of IBC review, distinguish IBC responsibilities from those of IRBs and other oversight bodies, and highlight best practices for effective biosafety oversight of cutting-edge clinical research.
- 2:30pm An Overview of NIH Guidelines
- The NIH Office of Science Policy (OSP) has recently released a proposed revision of the NIH Guidelines, which will expand the function of Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) to cover all use of biological agents at institutions that receive any Federal funds. The talk will highlight the relevant changes and provide a basis for the attendees to provide comments back to NIH prior to the review deadline of 19 October 2026.
- Paul Meechan, Ph.D, MPH, RBP, CBSP(ABSA)
- The NIH Office of Science Policy (OSP) has recently released a proposed revision of the NIH Guidelines, which will expand the function of Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) to cover all use of biological agents at institutions that receive any Federal funds. The talk will highlight the relevant changes and provide a basis for the attendees to provide comments back to NIH prior to the review deadline of 19 October 2026.
- 3:45pm How in Vivo Generated CAR T Cells and in Vivo Gene Editing Will Affect Oncology, Autoimmunity, and Rare Disease Research
- Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells have been game-changing immunotherapy for B cell mediated leukemia and lymphoma. Recently, use of CAR T cells in various autoimmune conditions has generated strong efficacy and safety data, with the first FDA approval expected in 2026. However, only about 20% of patients eligible for CAR T cell therapies are able to receive them due to cost and access to large medical centers. In vivo generated CAR T cells are expected to dramatically improve cost and accessibility but may also be associated with added risks to patients and the research staff. In vivo gene editing aims to provide a paradigm shift in treatment of rare diseases, highlighted by the recent success with Baby KJ Muldoon. The FDA is creating programs and fast track designations to facilitate review of this type of research.
- This presentation will introduce these new therapies as well as summarize their risks and benefits to patients.
- Daniel Eisenman, PhD, RBP, SM(NRCM), CBSP (Advarra)
- 4:45pm Closing & Hosted Happy Hour
Click here to see last year's 2025 IACUC & IBC Conference Series Program
IACUC Conference - 9/16
For the past 25 years, NWABR has proudly hosted the annual IACUC Conference, a premier event tailored for IACUC Committee members, veterinarians, animal technicians, and researchers. Designed by a dedicated volunteer Planning Committee, this conference champions the ethical use of animals in research and provides essential training and resources for both new and seasoned professionals.
Attendees will gain access to the latest updates in regulatory requirements, best practices, and hands-on solutions that directly support their daily work. In addition, this event offers invaluable networking opportunities, fostering connections that enhance collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the field. Join us for a day of learning, engagement, and professional growth at the region’s leading conference on animal research ethics and oversight.
IACUC Conference Agenda (times subject to change):
- 7:30am Pre-Session: "Why are You Here?": A History of the IACUC & IACUC Basics
- Great for training new IACUC members/staff or refreshing yourself on why and how the IACUC exists!
- Cynthia Pekow, DVM, DACLAM, CPIA (VA of the Puget Sound)
- Shannon Ramsey (Allen Institute)
- Heather Sidener, DVM, DACLAM (VA of Portland)
- Great for training new IACUC members/staff or refreshing yourself on why and how the IACUC exists!
- 9:15am Welcome Remarks
- 9:30am Keynote: Achieving Non-Invasive Lithotripsy and Clearing with Break Wave & Stone Clear
- Approximately 1 in 10 people will develop a kidney stone at some point in their lifetime, whilst in cats and dogs, urinary stones affect an estimated 15% to 30% of patients seen in veterinary practice. Despite this growing incidence amongst both humans and animals, the fundamental methods and interventions for urinary stone management have remained largely unchanged for several decades. At the University of Washington, technical innovations in ultrasound have enabled the development of novel strategies for stone treatment in humans and animals alike, namely Burst Wave Lithotripsy and Ultrasonic Propulsion. Both technologies have now received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance.
- Yak-Nam Wang, PhD (University of Washington)
- Approximately 1 in 10 people will develop a kidney stone at some point in their lifetime, whilst in cats and dogs, urinary stones affect an estimated 15% to 30% of patients seen in veterinary practice. Despite this growing incidence amongst both humans and animals, the fundamental methods and interventions for urinary stone management have remained largely unchanged for several decades. At the University of Washington, technical innovations in ultrasound have enabled the development of novel strategies for stone treatment in humans and animals alike, namely Burst Wave Lithotripsy and Ultrasonic Propulsion. Both technologies have now received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance.
- 10:45am Panel: Building a High Functioning IACUC
- Discussion topics will include: Independent review and evaluation of IACUC functions; Governance, structure, and institutional policies; The value of intentionally diverse expertise on committees; Strategies for efficient and timely protocol review and decision-making; plus others.
- Joanne Morris, MS, DVM, DACLAM (Mass General Brigham/Harvard)
- Kathleen Cullen (Johns Hopkins University)
- Anne Clancy, PhD (Mass General Hospital)
- Rebecca Sammak, DVM, DACLAM (National Biomedical Research Institute, UC Davis)
- Discussion topics will include: Independent review and evaluation of IACUC functions; Governance, structure, and institutional policies; The value of intentionally diverse expertise on committees; Strategies for efficient and timely protocol review and decision-making; plus others.
- 1:00pm Let's Talk: Meaningful Conversations Between IACUC Members and the AAALAC Site Visitor Team
- Interactions between AAALAC site visitors and IACUC members provide valuable insight into how an oversight program functions beyond written policies and procedures. This session will discuss the purpose of these conversations, the types of questions site visitors commonly ask, and how all committee members, including non-scientific and nonaffiliated members, can confidently share their experiences during a site visit.
- Justin A. McNulty, MLAS, CPIA, RLATG (AAALAC International)
- Interactions between AAALAC site visitors and IACUC members provide valuable insight into how an oversight program functions beyond written policies and procedures. This session will discuss the purpose of these conversations, the types of questions site visitors commonly ask, and how all committee members, including non-scientific and nonaffiliated members, can confidently share their experiences during a site visit.
- 2:00pm AI and the IACUC: Practical Opportunities, Real Risks, and Questions We Should Be Asking
- Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the research ecosystem, but its implications for IACUC oversight are only beginning to emerge. This session explores practical ways AI is already influencing research administration, protocol development, and committee work while examining ethical, regulatory, and operational questions IACUCs should begin considering today.
- Adam New-Waterson (Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight, Allen Institute)
- Lan Guo, PhD (Dartmouth)
- Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the research ecosystem, but its implications for IACUC oversight are only beginning to emerge. This session explores practical ways AI is already influencing research administration, protocol development, and committee work while examining ethical, regulatory, and operational questions IACUCs should begin considering today.
- 3:15pm Mock IACUC
- How an IACUC discusses guidelines on reporting, when incidents become programmatic issues, reporting requirements for different species; role delineations with the IACUC
- Moderator: Shannon Ramsey (Allen Institute)
- Vet: Heather Sidener, DVM, DACLAM (VA of Portland)
- AAALAC rep: Justin A. McNulty, MLAS, CPIA, RLATG (AAALAC International)
- Unaffiliated Community Member: Adam New-Waterson (Allen Institute)
- How an IACUC discusses guidelines on reporting, when incidents become programmatic issues, reporting requirements for different species; role delineations with the IACUC
- 4:15pm Innovations that Make the 3Rs a Reality: Need-to-Know Updates for IACUC Members and Administrators
- In the last two decades, we have experienced significant advancement in technologies that have advanced biomedical research and delivered new treatments for patients. Technological advancements in both in vitro and in vivo applications have also made a positive impact in the area of 3Rs in preclinical studies. In this session, Norman Peterson (Biovetality) will discuss how microphysiological systems ecosystem is shaping the context around toxicological studies. Sue Grepper (In Sphero) will discuss how organoids are being used to increase translatability of in vitro models. Increasing reproducibility or selecting the best methodologies to perform in vivo studies, using the Modern Vivo application (https://www.modernvivo.com/ ) will be highlighted by Ian Levine. Anthony English will describe how Biosyft (https://biosyft.io/) is advancing mouse behavioral studies as a refinement for early detection of disease onset and replacement of traditional behavioral battery tests. The evolution of these technologies and others illustrate the importance for IACUC members to be continually made aware of innovations that are conducive to the 3Rs and advancing science.
- Norman Peterson, DVM, PhD, DACLAM (Biovetality)
- Ian Levine, MA (ModernVivo)
- Anthony English, PhD (BioSyft, Inc.)
- In the last two decades, we have experienced significant advancement in technologies that have advanced biomedical research and delivered new treatments for patients. Technological advancements in both in vitro and in vivo applications have also made a positive impact in the area of 3Rs in preclinical studies. In this session, Norman Peterson (Biovetality) will discuss how microphysiological systems ecosystem is shaping the context around toxicological studies. Sue Grepper (In Sphero) will discuss how organoids are being used to increase translatability of in vitro models. Increasing reproducibility or selecting the best methodologies to perform in vivo studies, using the Modern Vivo application (https://www.modernvivo.com/ ) will be highlighted by Ian Levine. Anthony English will describe how Biosyft (https://biosyft.io/) is advancing mouse behavioral studies as a refinement for early detection of disease onset and replacement of traditional behavioral battery tests. The evolution of these technologies and others illustrate the importance for IACUC members to be continually made aware of innovations that are conducive to the 3Rs and advancing science.
- 5:00pm Closing & Hosted Happy Hour
Click here to view last year's 2025 IACUC & IBC Conference Series Program
Registration & Cancellation Policies
**PLEASE NOTE: During checkout, you MUST opt-out of the following line item in order to not pay Zeffy's platform/transaction fee. Unfortunately, NWABR has no control over this feature, and we also are not able to give refunds if you end up paying Zeffy's "donation" fee. Use the below image to find the correct line item. Zeffy's "donation" is DIFFERENT from a donation made to NWABR in a separate line item.
CONFERENCE CANCELLATION POLICY: If you are unable to attend the conference, you may donate your registration fee to NWABR or receive a full refund one week out from the event and a 50% refund within one week of the event. Refunds cannot be given once the conference begins. We will accept replacement names, but we need to receive those as soon as possible, and no later than noon on September 11, 2026. For cancellations or replacements, please email melissa@nwabr.org.
