All requests for virus should be addressed to the Director, ICMR-NIV (director.niv@icmr.gov.in). Once a request for virus strain(s), has been received, the concerned scientist first vetts the request. A virus request form (VRF) is sent to the requesting scientist who has to duly fill the necessary information including: (a) Full layout of the facility of requesting institute (b) Institutional Bio-safety committee and Ethics committee approvals for the proposed study (c) Requesting scientist has to give an undertaking NOT to share with third parties.
The requesting scientist has to make a presentation to an expert committee who studies the merit of the request.
All communication, VRF and minutes are filed for future reference.
