What is an IACUC?

Importance of Taking an IACUC Core Training Course

The use of animals in research is critical to advancing scientific knowledge. From biology to behavior, nonhuman animals provide an understanding of fundamental principles that inform clinical practice and public health policy.   Research with nonhuman animals is a highly regulated enterprise, with a system of laws, regulations and policies, at the federal, state, and local levels. The  Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) plays a central role in ensuring that animal research conducted at their institution is in compliance with pertinent regulations and policies. 

What is an IACUC? 

 IACUC is an independent committee responsible for reviewing and approving animal research protocols. The volunteer committee is comprised of scientists, veterinarians, and community members. By law, all research conducted at institutions that receive federal funding must have an IACUC approve proposed research. 

The Role of an IACUC  

The Role of an IACUC  

The primary role of an IACUC is to ensure that all animal research complies with relevant regulations and policies, such as the Animal Welfare Act Regulations and the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

The committee reviews research proposals to ensure that the animals used are appropriate for the research conducted, that the research methodology is sound, and that all alternative research methods have been considered. Additionally, the IACUC monitors the care and treatment of animals at the facility and investigates any complaints or concerns related to animal welfare. 

Why is the IACUC Important? 

The IACUC's oversight plays a crucial role in ensuring that responsible animal research. The committee ensures that animals used are treated humanely and that the research is necessary, scientifically valid, and conducted in a way that minimizes pain and distress to the animals. 

 

Frequent training is necessary for anyone involved in animal research or handling, whether a principal investigator, laboratory technician, veterinarian, or research staff member.

In addition to being a regulatory requirement, IACUC training can help improve the quality of animal research by providing knowledge and skills needed to conduct work safely, ethically, and effectively. Training ensures that animal research is conducted in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, which protect both animals and researchers.

Keeping up with changes in regulations on your own can be burdensome on top of other job requirements. If you are new to the field, it can be overwhelming. Training courses regularly cover topics such as animal welfare, animal behavior, handling and husbandry techniques, pain management, and the legal and ethical considerations surrounding animal research.

Animal Research Oversight Course (AROC)

Animal Research Oversight Course (AROC)

The Animal Research Oversight Course (AROC) is designed to provide IACUC members and animal care and use program personnel with an engaging, interactive overview of the ethical principles, regulatory frameworks, and guidance that they rely on for their day-to-day work. This online course offers learners details about the purpose and function of the IACUC, and illustrates the IACUC protocol review process through case studies and the deliberations of a simulated IACUC. Learners who successfully complete a final assessment will receive a certificate of completion.

AROC takes approximately 4 hours to complete, and learners can pause and return to the course at their convenience. Learners also have access to supplemental materials, including an extensive glossary and resource directory.

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AROC is an interactive online course for new IACUC members and anyone seeking a refresher on the ethical principles, regulatory frameworks, and guidelines for research with animals.

AROC orients learners to the function of IACUCs and animal care and use programs and personnel, the role of IACUCs in review of research protocols, and participation in an effective, well-run IACUC meeting.

Units Include:

  1. Welcome to the IACUC
  2. Policy and SOP Review & Development
  3. Semiannual Program Review and Facility Inspection
  4. The IACUC’s Role in Training
  5. Protocol Review
  6. IACUC Review of Noncompliance
  7. Post-Approval Monitoring

View a demo

Institutional and individual subscriptions are available for AROC.

 

 
Learn More and Register Here

2024 PRIM&R IACUC Core Training  

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee(IACUC) Core Training Courses offer foundational training in ethics and compliance in research with nonhuman animals. Essential for anyone working in oversight of research with animals, IACUC Fundamentals and Essentials of IACUC Administration, are presented live in a convenient format for remote learning.

Participants are welcome to attend one or both courses. 
 
Course attendees will also have access to an exclusive platform on the PRIM&R Online Community for additional discussion and networking. 

 

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IRBs and Expanded Access Webinar

IRBs and Expanded Access Webinar

Tuesday, June 18, 2024
1:00–2:30 PM ET

Contributors
Holly Fernandez Lynch, JD, MBE, Assistant Professor of Medical Ethics and Law at the University of Pennsylvania

Megan Kasimatis Singleton, JD, MBE, CIP, Associate Dean for Human Research Protection and Director of the Human Research Protection Program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Join this panel discussion to gain an understanding of expanded access (sometimes called “compassionate use”), the ethical issues involved, and an overview of recent regulatory and policy developments. With a panel of individuals including representatives from the FDA, industry, and academia, this educational opportunity will discuss the FDA’s new guidance on IRB Review of Individual Patient Expanded Access Submissions and provide considerations for implementation.

What practical considerations are IRBs and HRPPs making for expedited review? How should oversight bodies be thinking about data collection from expanded access patients? What are the FDA expectations? Who are the stakeholders involved in this process and how can they most effectively engage?

After this webinar, you will be able to: 

  • Define expanded access and identify relevant stakeholders.
  • Understand the key components of the new FDA Guidance related to IRB review of Individual Patient Expanded Access Requests.
  • Examine different perspectives about implementation of the guidance to help inform practice.

CE Credit

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance that documents up to 1.5 continuing education credit hours for their attendance at this webinar. 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 webinar may be used.

CIP Credit
Course participants who hold the Certified IRB Professional (CIP®) credential may apply 1.5 continuing education credits towards CIP® recertification credit for this PRIM&R webinar. Please refer to the CIP® recertification guidelines for additional information.

Cost
Members: $100
Nonmembers: $190

Register Here
The Documents Side of an Animal Care and Use Program Webinar

The Documents Side of an Animal Care and Use Program Webinar

Thursday, June 27, 2024
1:00–2:15 PM EST 

Contributor
Bill Greer, Assistant Vice President for Research, University of Michigan 

The intricacies of a complex Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP) are interwoven with a collection of policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs), forming the backbone of its operational framework.

Together, these elements create a cohesive structure that governs the program's activities, enhances accountability, and fosters organizational alignment, thereby facilitating the successful execution of the program. 

What Will I Learn?

  • Identify the primary differences between policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) within an Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP). 

  • Explain the distinct purposes served by policies, guidelines, and SOPs in governing the activities of an ACUP. 

CE Credit
Participants will receive a certificate of attendance that documents up to 1.5 continuing education credit hours for their attendance at this webinar. 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 webinar may be used.
 

CPIA Credit
Course participants who hold the Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA®) credential may apply 1.25 continuing education credits towards CPIA® recertification credit for this PRIM&R webinar. Please refer to the CPIA® recertification guidelines for additional information.

Cost
Members: $100
Nonmembers: $190

Register Here
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Consider an IACUC Professional Credential 

The Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA®) credential constitutes formal recognition of an IACUC professional’s broad knowledge of IACUC functions and expertise about animal care and use programs and signals that its holders are highly qualified to discharge their duties pursuant to United States rules and regulations, prevailing ethical codes, and administrative best practices.

PRIM&R established the CPIA credential in 2007 to improve the quality of animal care and use programs nationwide by promoting ethical practices and advanced knowledge of IACUC administration.

Those interested in seeking the CPIA credential for the first time must meet the eligibility requirements and apply for and pass the CPIA exam. CPIA credential holders must recertify every five years.

Learn More About CPIA