Minors in UCSD Laboratories

Principal investigators, read the requirements you must follow if you permit minors to work in your laboratories.

Requirement

Attention principal investigators: If you permit minors (under 18 years of age) to carry out research activities in your laboratory, you must obtain authorization and observe specific restrictions and procedures.

As the principal investigator, you are responsible for safety in your laboratory, and you may choose to further restrict or prohibit minors from performing research there.

Restrictions by age group

  • Minors under the age of 12 are not allowed in UCSD laboratories.
  • Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed in UCSD vivaria.
  • Minors between the ages of 12 and 18 are allowed in UCSD laboratories under these conditions:
    • They have written consent from their parent(s) or guardian.
    • They are at all times under the direct supervision of a qualified adult designated for this responsibility.

Students affected by these requirements

These requirements do not apply to students enrolled in courses with laboratory components listed in the UCSD General Catalog or UCSD Extension Catalog.

All other minors are subject to these requirements, including:

  • Students working on science fair projects
  • Students involved in any of UCSD’s educational outreach programs