Institutional Animal Care and Use

The mission of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is to oversee the provisions for the care and well-being of animals used for research and educational purposes at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS). The IACUC is committed to serving the public by ensuring compliance with all legal and ethical standards regarding the use of vertebrate animals in research and teaching at RFUMS.

The committee reviews, requests modifications, and approves research and teaching protocols involving the use of live vertebrate animals, and oversees training and educational programs related to animal use.

An approved and current animal use protocol is required before any research or educational project using live vertebrate animals commences at the University.

IACUC conducts semi-annual inspections and evaluations of the animal care and use program and all facilities in which animals are housed or used in approved activities. The committee also functions to handle and investigate any concerns about animal use and care at Rosalind Franklin University, is authorized to suspend activities if non-compliance is verified, and will report non-compliance to the appropriate officials.

The IACUC serves as a resource to faculty, investigators, technicians, students, staff and administrators, providing guidance in fulfilling the obligation to conduct research and educational activities that use animals with the highest standards of care and consideration and in accordance with all federal, state and local regulations and University policies.