APPLICATION & PROCESS

When is IACUC approval required?

All investigators who plan to use live, vertebrate animals in research, testing, or teaching must seek approval. This includes laboratory, field, and observational studies.

What are the requirements for approval?

• Complete the Application for Project Approval (APA) Form for IACUC review
• Submit the completed form to the IACUC chair via email. Use the subject line "New APA for review" and use the project title (can be abbreviated) for the document name.
• All researchers working on the protocol must attend training sessions (see section on training for details).
• For some activities, additional forms may be required (e.g., for activities involving surgery, or use of hazardous materials).

No animals may be ordered or received and no animals may be used until the protocol has been approved.

Does this apply to student research?

Student project involving the use of animals must comply with the above regulations, whether or not the projects are in partial fulfillment of degree requirements. The major advisor of masters students, or supervisor of undergraduate research projects, serves as the Principal Investigator (PI) on the project, submits the application, and is the point of contact for the IACUC.

What is the approval process?

• New principal investigators (PIs) complete general IACUC training
• Submit proposal to the IACUC chair via email, receive email confirmation, assigned protocol (APA) number
• Initial review by veterinarian
• Veterinarian questions / comments sent from IACUC chair to PI for a response
• Modified (if needed) version returned to veterinarian for approval
• APA sent to full IACUC for approval (designated review or full committee meeting)
• Receive letter of approval for up to 3 years
• All personnel working on the protocol must complete training(s) prior to starting work
• Complete annual reviews

What is the timeline for approval?