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announcement

Important Note: The United States Government (USG) Policy for Stopping High-Risk Life Sciences Research was released on July 28, 2026. The policy defines areas of life sciences research that pose the greatest risk as well as proposes new enhanced review and reporting requirements for investigators and institutions conducting this type of research.

Please note that the eCOMS protocols and COMS Policies will be updated to adhere to these new requirements. More information will be provided soon. Please contact your Institutional Biosafety Officer or the COMS Office with any questions.

Harvard University
Committee on Microbiological Safety
Committee on Microbiological Safety
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  2. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is the best contact for questions about my COMS review process?

A. For any questions regarding your COMS applications please reach out to COMS@hms.harvard.edu or your institutional biosafety officer.

Q. What is the purpose of the COMS office?

A. COMS serves as the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) for Harvard as well as the Harvard-affiliated medical research institutions.

Committee on Microbiological Safety
email COMS@hms.harvard.edu
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