Animal Welfare Program
Fostering a culture of excellence, compassion, and adherence to the highest standards of animal welfare in the conduct of research, testing, and teaching at Southern Methodist University.
The 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Animal Welfare Program operates in full compliance with all relevant local, national, international regulations governing the use of animals in research. We work closely with our Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to ensure rigorous oversight and adherence to guidelines.
For additional information on the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Animal Welfare Program please contact us at: researchcompliance@smu.edu.
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Animal Welfare Program (IACUC)
Why Animals are Used in Research?
Animals have unique and important roles in biomedical and behavioral research. Many medical advances that enhance the lives of human are developed from carefully planned and highly regulated research studies with animals.
Good animal care and good science go hand in hand. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and 91³Ô¹ÏÍø takes the involvement, role, and respectful use of animals in research seriously. The integrity of the research results depends on ensuring that the animals are well cared for through the research process.
What is an IACUC?
An Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is a committee of scientists, veterinarians, non-scientists, and community members who serve to oversee the welfare and humane treatment of animal research subjects in accordance with (PHS) policy and the (AWA).
Primary oversight of animal use at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø is the responsibility of the IACUC. The IACUC supports animal welfare and ensure compliance with federal regulations through:
- Review and approval of all proposed animal projects before they can be initiated
- Regular inspection of animal facilities
- Semi-annual review of the University’s animal program
- Investigation of animal welfare concerns
The committee’s composition is designed by regulation to encompass a broad base of relevant knowledge and to represent both scientific and non-scientific interests. IACUC members are appointed by 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Institutional Official (IO), a role currently held by the Vice Provost of Research, Dr. Suku Nair. The IACUC is scheduled to meet monthly.