Registering with COMS
The Committee on Microbiological Safety (COMS) use e-COMS (online system) to submit all new protocols, 5-year rewrites, annual renewals and amendments for research projects involving COMS-Regulated Materials (CRM) and specific materials.
COMS Regulated Materials (CRM) are defined as:
• Recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids as defined in the NIH Guidelines
• Human or nonhuman primate blood, cells, tissues, fluids, and secretions
• Biological toxins subject to the National Select Agent Registry Program; and
• Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasitic protozoa, and prions.
For protocol submission deadlines, please contact your institutional biosafety officer. If you have a question pertaining to whether a COMS registration is required based on the nature of your research and/or materials involved please email coms@hms.harvard.edu.
BSOs can provide guidance on protocol submittal to PIs and designees. For more information about registering with COMS please contact your Biosafety Officer:
Harvard Allston, Cambridge, and, Longwood Campuses
Harvard University Biosafety Office
biosafety@harvard.edu
Joslin Diabetes Center
Michael Melisi
Michael.Melisi@joslin.harvard.edu
WYSS Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University
Robert Rasmussen
Robert.Rasmussen@wyss.harvard.edu