IACUC Responsibilities
The UMBC IACUC is responsible for oversight of the UMBC animal care and use program and its components as described in the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Policy) and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide). The UMBC IACUC serves as advisor to the Vice President for Research (the Institutional Official) in matters dealing with animal care and use, and oversees compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional policies, laws and regulations.
IACUC oversight functions include ongoing assessment of animal care and use. IACUC responsibilities include:
- Review of Animal Use protocols used in teaching, research and extension.
- Monitoring the use of animals in teaching, research, and extension at UMBC animal facilities.
- Review of concerns involving the care and use of animals, and review reported violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and, when warranted, investigate these concerns.
- Providing semiannual evaluation of facilities, and the animal care and use program within UMBC for research, teaching and/or extension involving the use of animals.
- Providing a summary report of these evaluations to be submitted to the Institutional Official in accordance with the AWA and the PHS Animal Policy.
- Preparing the annual OLAW report for the University and for the signature of the Institutional Official.
- Assistance with establishing training procedures for scientists, research technicians, animal technicians, and other personnel involved with animal use, care, and treatment.
- Authorization to suspend an activity involving animals in accordance with the AWA.
IACUC Membership
The IACUC is composed of members representing the diversity of the university and local community and must consist of at least 5 members and includes at least:
- one veterinarian with training or experience in laboratory animal science and medicine, who has direct or delegated authority and responsibility for activities involving animals at the institution;
- one practicing scientist experienced in research with animals;
- one member whose primary concerns are in a nonscientific area (e.g., ethicist, lawyer, member of the clergy, librarian); and
- one member who is not affiliated with the institution other than as a member of the IACUC.
Members are appointed by the Institutional Official and serve a three-year renewal term.