New Biosafety Manual Now Available for UMD Research Community
September 10, 2026
A new edition of the University of Maryland (UMD) Biosafety Manual has been released and is now available to the UMD research community as of September 2026.
The new manual provides a comprehensive and up-to-date framework for conducting biological research safely and responsibly at UMD. The manual reflects current requirements, institutional expectations, and best practices, while serving as a practical, user-friendly resource for the diverse needs of the university's research community.
Developed through a collaboration involving the Biosafety Team, the Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability, and Risk (ESSR), and campus stakeholders, the Biosafety Manual is the first new edition in 12 years and reflects the evolving biosafety landscape and UMD’s continued commitment to strengthening biosafety practices and oversight. As a living document, the manual will continue to evolve alongside advances in science and technology, changing regulatory requirements, and the needs of our research community.
All members of the research community who work with biological materials are encouraged to review the new manual and incorporate its guidance into their research practices, helping maintain a strong culture of biosafety and responsible research across the UMD campus.