About the IACUC

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is responsible for the oversight and the care and use of animals in research as described in the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide), the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training.

The primary and federally mandated functions of the IACUC include, but are not limited to:

• Review, at least once every six months, the institutions animal program using the PHS Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (8th edition).
• Inspect, at least once every six months, all of the institutions animal facilities using the PHS guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Inspections are performed with advance notice to the Investigator and/or their designated laboratory manager.
• Prepare reports of IACUC evaluations and submit reports to the Institutional Official (IO)
• Review of concerns involving the care and use of laboratory animals.
• Write recommendations to the IO regarding any aspect of the University’s animal program, facilities, or personnel training.
• Review and Approve, Modifications Required (to secure approval), or withhold approval
  of proposed animal use in research (protocol review). Convened meetings are conducted
  on the 3 rd Thursday of each month.
• Continuing review of animal care and use on an annual basis.
• Evaluate Institutional compliance with the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane
  Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations, and
  University policies.

The IACUC committee is made up of no less than five (5) members, including a veterinarian with program authority and responsibilities, a practicing scientist experienced in research involving animals, and an individual who has no other affiliation with USA besides membership on the IACUC. The Institutional Official (IO) appoints IACUC members.