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| About Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) |
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The NIH established the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) on October 7, 1974 in response to public concerns regarding the safety of manipulating genetic material through the use of recombinant DNA techniques. Although the RAC's membership and responsibilities have evolved over time with scientific understanding and developments in this technology, it continues to serve the NIH, as well as the scientific and lay publics, as a critically important forum for open, public deliberation on the panoply of scientific, ethical, and legal issues raised by recombinant DNA technology and its basic and clinical research applications. Over the course of the Committee�s existence, transparency and access have been its defining characteristics, enabling public acceptance of a critically important technology and creating an environment in which science can advance in an informed, safe, and ethical manner.
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In keeping with its role as a federal advisory committee, the RAC issues recommendations to the NIH Director that are conveyed through the NIH Office of Biotechnology Activities (OBA), which is responsible for the NIH system of oversight of recombinant DNA research. The NIH initially charged the RAC with developing a set of NIH guidelines that would govern the safe conduct of recombinant DNA research by outlining appropriate biosafety practices and containment measures. These guidelines, now known as the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines), were first published in 1976 and have evolved over time, with ample scientific and public input, to reflect new technical developments and current scientific understanding. While compliance with the NIH Guidelines is mandatory for investigators at institutions receiving NIH funds for research involving recombinant DNA, they have become a universal standard for safe scientific practice in this area of research and are followed voluntarily by many companies and other institutions not otherwise subject to their requirements.
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In addition to seeking the RAC's advice on needed changes to the NIH Guidelines, the NIH asks the RAC to consider other matters pertinent to basic and clinical research involving recombinant DNA. A major responsibility of the RAC at present is to review human gene transfer research on behalf of the NIH. Human gene transfer trials conducted at, or sponsored by, institutions receiving NIH funding for recombinant DNA research are registered with OBA and reviewed by the RAC. Protocols that raise novel or particularly important scientific, safety or ethical considerations are discussed by the RAC at one of its quarterly public meetings. RAC proceedings and reports are posted to the OBA Web site to enhance their accessibility to the scientific and lay publics.
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The NIH also consults the RAC for advice concerning various advances in recombinant DNA technology, as well as ethical and safety considerations associated with novel or possibly risky forms of recombinant DNA research. The RAC helps the NIH conceptualize and organize safety symposia and policy conferences on these matters when diverse perspectives and broad scientific and public participation are needed to explore an issue fully.
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The RAC comprises experts in a wide range of scientific and medical disciplines and also includes ethicists and members of patient and other lay communities. Because of the dedication, effort, and thoughtful contributions of its members over the past 30 years, the RAC has been a vital national forum promoting critically important scientific progress in a transparent, responsible, and safe manner and enhancing public trust in the science.
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RAC Charter (Updated April 2005)
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RAC Member Roster
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