Any individual who has concerns related to the research use of recombinant DNA, microbial pathogens, biological toxins or any other material requiring a biosafety protocol is encouraged to express those concerns. UW–Madison will not tolerate any reprisal against an individual who has, in good faith, come forward with concerns or allegations of wrongdoing involving the use of such material.
This policy provides three separate avenues for individuals to express concerns relating to biosafety:
- Any individual may report concerns anonymously to the tip line maintained by the Office of Research Policy in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education (608.890.1273). Anonymity cannot be absolutely guaranteed, although UW–Madison will strive to maintain it.
- Any individual may report concerns to persons with authority over UW–Madison’s biosafety program, which includes the Chair of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), the Biosafety Officer, and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Compliance in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education.
- UW–Madison employees may report concerns under the procedures of the Wisconsin Whistleblower Law, which protects state employees from retaliation for disclosing certain information. More information about the Whistleblower Law is available on the website of the Office of Human Resources. The procedures outlined in 4.0(1) and (2) may not qualify an employee for protection under the Whistleblower Law.
