Institutional Animal Care And Use Program

Welcome

Welcome to the Office of the Animal Care and Use Program. We are here to provide guidance to current and future investigators intending to use vertebrate animals in research or teaching, as well as to provide general information about our program to the campus community at large.

We review anything that has the potential to affect the animal's wellbeing in the laboratory or the wild. If you plan to engage in any of the following activities, we encourage you to review the information we have available and reach out to us for more information.

Why do we need animal research models?

The inclusion of animals in research has contributed to a growing understanding of ecology, as well as a variety of diseases, disorders, and behaviors that affect animals and humans. Without the use of animals, advancements such as: vaccines, medications, treatments, therapies, and more would not be where they are today.

Animal research models are currently being used in the following fields:

The 3 R's

While animals are playing an active role in further developing our understanding of a variety of issues impacting human lives, there is a growing commitment from researchers to implement the three Rs.

• Refine animal models to reduce pain during procedures when possible.
  
  
• Reduce the number of animals needed for projects and maintain as much as possible.
  
  
• Replace certain species with others.

Mission Statement

To ensure personnel are aware of and adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations and best practices in the care and use of vertebrate animals in research and education. CSUEB's Animal Care and Use program strives to ensure the quality of research remains effective and efficient while enhancing the welfare of research animals utilized in research including laboratory research, teaching, field research (including observation), and when faculty collaborate on animal work with other institutions. Our Animal Care and Use Program aims to serve as a campus-wide resource in communicating policies and regulations while assisting faculty in research projects that utilize vertebrate animals.

Organization of the Animal Care and Use Program

• The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee: Oversees all aspects of the Animal Care Program including but limited to:
  
  
• Animal Care Staff: Responsible for supporting investigators in the daily care and health of all animals used within the Animal Care Program. Reports to the attending veterinarian and the Animal Care and Use Committee.
  
  
• Animal Care and Use Program Administration: Provides support for the daily operations of the Animal Care Facility and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
  

IACUC Meeting Schedule and Submission Deadlines

The IACUC meets quarterly to discuss standard business such as: newly submitted protocols, semiannual program reviews, investigations, and more. The corresponding submission schedule posted below outlines deadlines for submission of IACUC protocols and protocol amendments.

IACUC meetings are considered closed-sessions. Attendance to convened meetings are through invitation or otherwise approved by the Committee Chair.

IACUC 2025 - 2026 Annual Schedule