This course provides a deep and practical understanding of the legal, ethical, and operational requirements for conducting research involving vertebrate animals in the United States. It covers the federal regulatory framework, including the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), Public Health Service (PHS) Policy, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) regulations, as well as international standards and best practices.
Participants will learn how to establish and manage Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs), ensure compliance with animal welfare standards, and address complex issues such as pain management, alternatives to animal use, and emerging technologies (e.g., gene editing, AI-based monitoring). The course combines legal requirements with practical implementation strategies to prepare learners to protect animal welfare and research integrity while avoiding regulatory penalties.
This is designed for IACUC members, principal investigators, veterinarians, laboratory managers, research administrators, compliance officers, and attorneys supporting animal research.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
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Understand and apply U.S. federal laws and regulations governing animal research, including the Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy, and USDA and NIH guidance.
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Design and maintain IACUC programs, including protocol review, semiannual inspections, and post-approval monitoring.
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Evaluate and mitigate pain, distress, and other welfare concerns through evidence-based practices and adherence to the “3Rs” (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).
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Implement comprehensive training, recordkeeping, and reporting systems to ensure compliance and readiness for external audits or inspections.
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Respond effectively to noncompliance and enforcement actions from USDA, NIH/OLAW, and accrediting organizations.
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Address emerging challenges such as gene editing, high-containment animal research, and international collaborations.
