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A PRIM&R Workshop

Exploring IACUC Fundamentals

Wednesdays | September 10, 17, and 24 1:00–3:00 PM ET

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Overview

Navigating the complex and evolving regulations governing the use of animals in research can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. This interactive workshop is designed to help new IACUC administrators build the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to oversee animal research compliance with confidence. Through three engaging two-hour sessions, you will gain a solid foundation in IACUC administration. From understanding key regulations and institutional policies to managing protocol reviews, facility inspections, and post-approval monitoring, we’ll cover the core elements of a successful IACUC program. You will also have the opportunity to explore real-world case studies, discuss common challenges, and gain actionable insights to support your decision-making. Led by experienced professionals, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to interact with peers, ask questions, and receive practical tips that you can apply immediately in your role. Whether you are overseeing animal research for the first time or seeking to sharpen your skills, this workshop will set you up for long-term success in IACUC administration. Join us to strengthen your compliance efforts, promote ethical research practices, and ensure the well-being of research animals within your institution.

Cost:

Members: $350Nonmembers: $595

Agenda

Session 1: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 1:00–3:00 PM ETBrief Overview of the Regulations Recruiting & Training Your IACUC
Session 2: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 1:00–3:00 PM ET Performing IACUC Protocol Review Holding A Full Committee Meeting Tackling Post-Meeting Tasks
Session 3: Wednesday September 24, 2025 1:00–3:00 PM ETCoordinating Semiannual Facility Inspections and Program Review Composing the IO Report Increasing Animal Research Transparency/Openness

What Will I Learn?

  • You will understand the framework of animal welfare oversight, including key regulations, accrediting bodies, and conducting effective protocol reviews.
  • You will develop skills for conducting a full committee meeting, writing FCR meeting minutes, and managing committee membership.
  • You will learn to enhance programmatic operations and research transparency by organizing semiannual facility inspections and program reviews, drafting IO reports, and strengthening communication strategies to promote ethical animal research.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is ideal for new and aspiring IACUC administrators, IACUC coordinators and compliance staff, researchers and laboratory staff, and institutional officials and research administrators who oversee animal research programs and ensure regulatory compliance.

CE Credit

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance that documents up to 6 continuing education credit hours for their attendance at this workshop. Certificates of attendance are useful for obtaining CE credits from professional associations. Each association's guidelines for accepting CE credit hours (in-person or virtual) may differ. Please consult the appropriate association representative for information on if, and how many, CE credits from this PRIM&R workshop may be used.

CPIA Recertification Credit

Participants holding the Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA®️) credential may apply 6 continuing education credits towards CPIA®️ recertification. Please refer to the CPIA®️ recertification guidelines for additional information.

Contributors

Jennifer Klahn, MA, CIP

Director, Research Safety & Animal Welfare and Institutional Contact for Dual Use Research at UCLA
Jennifer Klahn, MA, CPIA is the Director, Research Safety & Animal Welfare and Institutional Contact for Dual Use Research at UCLA. Jennifer earned her BA (Psychology) from UCLA and her MA (Psychology) from California State University, Long Beach. She worked in HIV risk reduction with “hard-to-reach” populations until beginning her career in Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) administration in 2000. Under her direction, the UCLA IACUC office expanded to include administrative support for the Institutional Biosafety Committee, Radiation Safety Committees, Dual Use Institutional Review Entity, and other safety committees. In addition to her role at UCLA, Ms. Klahn is a member of the PRIM&R Board of Directors and annual conference planning committee, serves on the Board of Directors for the California Biomedical Research Association, contributes to OLAW and PRIM& educational offerings, and teaches with IACUC 101. She has five cats.

Stephanie Mar

Head of IACUC & Training Neuralink
Stephanie Mar is the Head of IACUC & Training at Neuralink. She earned her BS (Biology) from UCLA and soon after began her career in Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee administration at the university's IACUC Office. Over her career, she has expanded her knowledge and experience in IACUC administration supporting a diverse range of research institutions. This includes academic universities such as UCLA (2013) and Stanford University (2015), a national cancer center with City of Hope (2018), and a medical device biotechnology company with her current role at Neuralink (2020). Stephanie has written on the topics of IACUC Member Onboarding in the Laboratory Animal Science Professional journal and the Role of the IACUC Committee for Neurlaink's Blog. In addition to her role at Neuralink, she co-teaches PRIM&R's IACUC Administrator Core Training course.