Animal Care and Use (IACUC)

About the IACUC

The IACUC is responsible for oversight of animal research as described in the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy) and the OLAW Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide).

IACUC responsibilities include:

• Review, at least semiannually, the institution's program for the humane care and use of animals;
• Inspect, at least semiannually, the institution's animal facilities (including satellite facilities);
• Prepare reports to the Institutional Official (IO) of the IACUC evaluations;
• Review animal welfare concerns;
• Make recommendations to the IO on any aspect of the animal program, facilities, or personnel training;
• Review and approve, those components of PHS conducted or supported activities related to the care and use of animals;
• Review and approve, proposed significant changes to the use of animals in ongoing activities; and
• Be authorized to suspend an activity involving animals.

IACUC Submission Process

All submissions to the IACUC will now be processed via Cayuse Animal Oversight.

Step 1: Review Cayuse guidance and Templates

• Review the actives that might need IACUC oversight.
• Review the CSUMB Policy on the Humane Care & Use of Animals in Research & Instruction (policy) to better understand the roles and responsibilities of the committee and Principal Investigator.
• Request access to Cayuse Animal Oversight – email iacuc@csumb.edu
• Have student research assistants request Cayuse access – email iacuc@csumb.edu 
• Conduct a, “literature search for alternatives” to ensure the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—are implemented. This search must document databases used, search strategies (keywords/operators), and date ranges to show that alternatives to, or improvements in, animal use were considered.
• Gather any relevant permits for permission to work with protected species or on managed land. You must obtain all necessary state, federal, or international permits (e.g., USFWS, endangered species, marine mammals) before beginning work. You may need proof of IACUC approval before state/federal agencies will issue permits.

Step 2: Complete HSR training via CITI

Animal Care & Use Training for Researchers via CITI Program

The IACUC will require all study personnel to have completed ACU training prior to approval. ACU training is valid for 3 years and offered via CITI Program. Additional modules are available based on the animals you will be working with and additional CITI modules may be required commensurate with the project, as determined during the IACUC review.

Step 3: Start your Cayuse Animal Oversight submission

Prepare Your Protocol

• Review the sections of the IACUC application in Cayuse.
• If a funder, location, animal, procedure, surgery, or drug is not listed, there will be a link within Cayuse to request that it be added as an option in the form.
• Consider whether the procedures will apply to specific species/genus or a population of animals. Consults with the IACUC Analyst as needed.

Manage Your Approved Study

Once your study is approved, you can manage it through Cayuse:

• Modifications: Request changes to your approved protocol.
• Annual Reviews: Submit a brief annual reviews for ongoing protocols.
• De Novo Reviews: After 3 years, the IACUC is required to conduct a thorough review to keep the protocol open.

Step 4: Review Process and Timelines

The IACUC typically meets each month if there are applications to review. It is difficult to predict the turnaround time for a specific application because it depends upon the complexity of the project, current number of applications under review, and other factors. We recommend submitting an application at least one month before research begins.

Need help?

Email us at iacuc@csumb.edu 

Come to Office Hours – Monday and Thursday 10-11am: https://csumb.zoom.us/j/89660256793