What is an IACUC?

An IACUC is an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. IACUCs are required by Federal law to oversee the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals. Miami's IACUC membership is comprised of faculty, public members and senior staff. IACUC members are appointed by the President of the University and report to the Associate Provost for Research.

Who has to file a laboratory animal protocol?

All Principal Investigators/Researchers who propose to use vertebrate animals in teaching or research activities.

Where can I get assistance with writing a protocol?

• For technical assistance, e.g., housing requirements, anesthesia, euthanasia, contact the Director of Animal Facilities at 529-5435.
• For general assistance, policy and procedures, contact the OARS Office at 9-3600.

What species are covered by the policy?

Per Public Health Service regulations: All warm & cold-blooded vertebrates, both in the field and the laboratory, e.g., fish, salamanders, birds, mice, rabbits, etc.

Who should be listed on a protocol?

All faculty, staff, students, and visiting scholars who will be in the position to effect the welfare of animals. New personnel should be added to a protocol prior to the use animals.Students/staff may assist in research without being explicitly listed if an approved person is present to directly supervise the activity.

What is the timetable for Protocol submission?

Protocols can be submitted as needed but a minimum of 30 days should be allowed before initiation of the project.

Note: NIH, NSF and many other agencies allow for"Just-In-Time" review whereby following indication from a granting agency that a proposal is likely to be funded, researchers can submit protocols for review. If a project will be using methods, species, numbers of animals, or facilities that are unusual to the Miami research program, it would be wise to broach these topics with the IACUC chair or Director of Animal Facilities before submitting the grant application to the funding agency.

How long is a protocol approved?

Protocol approval is valid for a maximum of three years.

Do I need to attend the training course?

All new personnel are expected to complete CITI training and be approved by the PI/faculty advisor before acting independently. Personnel are also required to attend a program orientation within a reasonable amount of time (e.g. 6 months).

What happens if an incidence of protocol or animal welfare non-compliance occurs? (added 1-Feb-22)

When a suspected non-compliance event is reported, 1) an informal inquiry is conducted in consultation with the Institutional Official, IACUC Chair, and other relevant consultants to determine if there is substance to the report. 2) if the allegation is supported, a formal investigation is conducted by the IACUC.

If there is a finding of non-compliance, the IACUC will enact sanctions with the goal of avoiding future occurrences based on supporting animal welfare. The respondents involved will be given the opportunity to refute the allegations.

The findings will be reported to the Institutional Official and funding agencies as required. In extreme cases, incidents or recurring non-compliance may be reported to the Dean of the relevant College and the Provost.