Aerial view of the 猎奇重口 campus and buildings around UM's Oval in Missoula, MT.

Research Compliance

猎奇重口 IACUC Mission Statement:

The mission of the 猎奇重口's animal research program is to advance scientific knowledge, contribute to biomedical breakthroughs, and support conservation efforts through ethical and responsible research involving laboratory animals and wildlife. The university is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and research integrity by ensuring that all research is conducted in an ethical and transparent manner by trained faculty,
students, and staff.

 

Responsibilities of the IACUC

Date Approved: February 14, 2006
Last Review Date: November 2024

The 猎奇重口 (UM) Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversees all aspects of UM’s animal care and use programs for teaching and research, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and upholding the highest standards of scientific, humane, and ethical principles. Appointed by the Institutional Official under the authority of the UM President, the IACUC reviews all animal use protocols, inspects animal facilities and laboratories, and manages animal training and educational programs. Additionally, the IACUC oversees the Occupational Health and Safety Program for animal users. Comprised of a chair, a veterinarian, research scientists, non-scientists, and community representatives, the IACUC conducts semiannual inspections of all animal housing and research facilities and meets monthly to fulfill its responsibilities as a resource for faculty, investigators, technicians, students, staff, and administrators.


Federally Mandated IACUC Functions:

  1. Review at least once every six months UM's program for humane care and use of animals, using the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals as a basis for evaluation.
  2. Inspect, at least once every six months, all of the animal facilities, including animal study areas/satellite facilities, using United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Regulations and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals as a basis for evaluation.
  3. Prepare reports of IACUC evaluations and submit the reports to the Institutional Official.
  4. Review and investigate legitimate concerns involving the care and use of animals at the research facility resulting from public complaints and from reports of non-compliance received from facility personnel or employees.
  5. Make recommendations to the Institutional Official regarding any aspect of the research facility's animal program, facilities or personnel training.
  6. Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold approval of those components of proposed activities related to the care and use of animals.
  7. Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold approval of proposed significant changes regarding the care and use of animals in ongoing activities.
  8. Suspend an activity involving animals when necessary; take corrective action and report to the funding agency, USDA, Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) and Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC).