IACUC

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) must approve any use of live vertebrate animals in research and teaching at Central Washington University. The IACUC has the broader goals of (1) reducing the number of animals used and minimizing any discomfort they may experience, (2) helping researchers seek alternatives to animal-based models, and (3) protecting the health and safety of those involved in research with animals. Responsibilities of the IACUC are federally mandated and include (but are not limited to) reviewing protocols, inspecting animal care facilities, ensuring all research personnel are appropriately trained, and investigating/reporting noncompliance. Committee members include a veterinarian, practicing scientists experienced in research involving animals, a nonscientist, and a community member who represents the public interest.

Requirements for Animal Research

A number of requirements must be met by any individual wishing to be involved in activities with live vertebrate animals:

• Obtain approval from the IACUC for research and teaching projects
  • Applications for new animal activities must be completed by Principal Investigators (PIs)
• Obtain medical clearance through CWU's Occupational Health and Safety Program
• Complete training requirements (may vary based on specific animal species used)
  • CITI Program online courses
  • Hands-on training of specific procedures (often with a faculty mentor)
• If required, obtain relevant permits (e.g., state permits for collection/handling of animals)

**Note: The IACUC will not issue approval of new protocol submissions until all listed personnel have completed the above requirements. The IACUC will not issue approval for a new individual (student, faculty, or staff) to take part in animal activities listed under a previously approved protocol until the PI has added that individual as an amendment/modification to their protocol and that individual has completed the above requirements.**

To maintain approval on an existing protocol, PIs must notify the IACUC of any amendments/modifications to their protocols, including changes in personnel, number or species of animals used, etc. They must also submit Annual Review forms (for protocols lasting longer than one year) and Final Report forms, which can be accessed on the Forms page.

IACUC Basics

What do I have to do to use vertebrate animals in research or teaching?
To start, you need to submit a protocol application describing the proposed activities, specifying the number of animals to be used, and justifying the use of vertebrate animals for your work. The IACUC will not approve proposed activities until the above requirements have been met by all personnel listed under the protocol.

Why do I have to do this?
As a society, we have a responsibility to protect animals from unnecessary stress and suffering. To this end, federal regulations mandate that all institutions have an IACUC to review all use of live vertebrate animals in research and teaching.

Who needs to submit a protocol application?
All faculty, students, or staff conducting research or teaching that involves live vertebrate animals must have prior IACUC approval.

When do I have to do this?
Approval of a protocol application must occur prior to the start of research or teaching activities involving vertebrate animals, meaning applications should be submitted well before the intended start date for those activities. To help ensure timely review of a protocol, refer to the Protocol Submission Deadlines for each month.

How do I start the protocol application process?
Go to the IACUC Forms page

For further information, contact:

Dr. April Binder, IACUC Chair
April.Binder@cwu.edu

-or-
 
Sandy Martinez, Research Compliance Administrator
Sandra.Martinez@cwu.edu

Central Washington University
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
400 East University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7510