Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC)

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) are oversight groups at research institutions that ensure the ethical and humane treatment of animals used in research. They review and approve research protocols involving animals to make sure they comply with federal laws, regulations, and ethical standards. The committee balances scientific objectives with animal welfare, requiring researchers to minimize pain and distress. IACUCs also monitor ongoing research and enforce compliance, promoting responsible animal use and safeguarding both animal welfare and scientific integrity.