Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees
Stored: Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees
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Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) are bodies established at research institutions to oversee the ethical use of animals in scientific studies, ensuring compliance with both legal and ethical standards.
Mission
The mission of IACUCs is to ensure the humane care and ethical treatment of animals used in research and teaching. They achieve this by reviewing animal use protocols, inspecting facilities, and ensuring that research adheres to principles minimizing animal suffering while promoting scientific integrity and relevance.
Parent organization
IACUCs are established within various Academic and Research Institutions like universities, medical centers, and private research organizations, each having its own committee tailored to its research activities.
Legislation
IACUCs were mandated by the Animal Welfare Act of 1966, with significant amendments in 1985 requiring their establishment at institutions using animals in research funded by the federal government.
Partners
IACUCs collaborate with:
- The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- Accreditation bodies like AAALAC International
Number of employees
IACUCs do not have employees in the traditional sense; they consist of members appointed by the institution, including scientists, veterinarians, and community representatives.
Organization structure
- IACUC Members include:
*Veterinarian with experience in laboratory animal science. *Scientists knowledgeable in research involving animals. *Non-Scientist to represent general community interests. *Non-Affiliated Member not associated with the institution.
List of programs
- Protocol Review for Animal Research Projects
- Semiannual Program Review and Facility Inspection
- Education and Training Programs for Researchers
- Investigative Response to Animal Welfare Concerns
Last total enacted budget
IACUCs typically do not have a separate budget; they are funded as part of the institution's administrative or research budget.
Leader
IACUCs are led by a Chairperson, often a senior scientist or administrator.
Services provided
IACUCs provide oversight of animal research by reviewing protocols for animal use, ensuring compliance with laws and ethical guidelines, conducting facility inspections, and offering training and education on animal welfare. They also investigate and address any concerns regarding animal treatment.
Regulations overseen
IACUCs oversee compliance with the Animal Welfare Act regulations (9 CFR §2.31), the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and any additional state or institutional policies regarding animal use in research.
Headquarters address
IACUCs do not have a centralized headquarters; their location corresponds to the institutions where they are established.
Website
There isn't a singular website for all IACUCs; each institution provides information on its IACUC through its official website.