The University of Georgia 
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT 
FOR BUSINESS AND FINANCE 
ATHENS, CEORCIA SOSOE 
PHYSICAL PLANT DIVISION JanuBTy 12, 1982 
Director, Office of Recombinant DNA Activities 
National Institutes of Health 
Building 31, Room 4A52 
Bethesda, Maryland 20205 
RE: Proposed Revisions to NIH Guidelines 
for Recombinant DNA Research 
Gentlemen: 
I would urge that the RAC approve the Gottesman proposal (Federal 
Regulation 12/7/81) for revising the Guidelines for Recombinant DNA 
Research. In my opinion, the mandatory provision of the existing 
Guidelines requiring review by an I.B.C. was the key to this 
successful program, and I feel It Is simply too soon to relax this 
requirement . 
I would also ask genetic researchers to bear with the rest of the risk- 
related research comnunlty until we get our act together. Two years 
ago I pointed out that an Important long range effect of the efforts 
of the entire genetic-related scientific consaunlty would be the 
establishment of a working model system for Intelligent government- 
related self control In other risk-related areas of research In a 
university. During the evolution of recombinant DNA research here 
at the University of Georgia, especially during the writing of the 
"University's Standards for Conduct of Research Involving Biohazards" 
by our I.B.C. , It became Increasingly evident that risks Involved in 
research with chemicals, radiation and other biohazards were certainly 
as serlous^and Infinitely more numerous, than those posed by Recombinant 
DNA Research. Thus, mandating an I.B.C. forced this and other universities 
to Implement long-neglected but necessary safety programs. I am con- 
cerned that If this mandatory requirement Is removed, entire safety pro- 
grams will be Jeopardized. 
Very truly yours. 
Manager, Engineering Department 
Physical Plant Division 
Member - Biosafety Committee 
University of Georgia 
JMC:sm 
1657] 
