About IACUC

What is IACUC?

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is a standing committee at Rice University, whose composition and responsibilities are mandated by the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Policy) and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide).

Rice University has an accreditation by AAALAC International, assurance with National Institutes of Health Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), and is registered with the USDA as a research facility.

What does it do?

• The institutional body with the responsibility for review and oversight of Rice University’s program for the humane care and use of animals
• Supports, facilitates, and promotes ethical and humane use of animals by upholding standards set in forth in all applicable laws, policies, and guidance.
• Represents society’s concerns regarding the welfare of animal subjects used and is expected to be the conscience for the institute on animal welfare concerns.
• Conducts a thorough and comprehensive review of all proposed uses of animals in research, teaching, and education to ensure ethical use while minimizing pain or distress and reducing the numbers needed

The IACUC at Rice University

Must be composed of a minimum of 5 members (this is a minimum requirement, can have more than one in each category):

• Veterinarian – trained/experience in laboratory animal medicine
• Scientist – practicing and experienced in research with animals
• Member – primary concerns are nonscientific (e.g. lawyer, ethicist, member of the clergy)
• Member – Not affiliated with Rice University