THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH

ANIMAL RESEARCH AND CARE

A Message from the Executive Vice Chancellor

A. Eugene Washington, M.D., M.Sc. Executive Vice Chancellor

Conducting high-quality research is essential to the University’s mission of advancing human health. Animal research has paved the way for many medical breakthroughs of the last century and continues to be a key force in advancing our understanding of cancer, heart disease, inflammatory diseases, chronic pain and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

At the same time, we are deeply committed to providing responsible, humane care for our research animals. UCSF is dedicated to becoming the national model for animal research and care by:

• Providing quality care for our animals. Since 2000, UCSF has invested nearly $100 million to build and equip new facilities for the housing and care of our animals.



• Adhering to the 3 R’s (replacement, reduction, refinement). When reviewing studies using animals, UCSF considers: the replacement of animals with material such as tissues and cells; the reduction of the number of animals necessary to obtain information or to thoroughly train future physicians and scientists, and ways in which to refine studies in order to maximize the comfort and welfare of animals.



• Maintaining a policy of zero tolerance for any UCSF employee who mistreats animals or violates approved protocols and standards. That policy extends across the board and at every level.



• Gaining accreditation from the independent Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International. AAALAC grants this accreditation only to select organizations that exhibit the highest standards for the humane treatment of animals in research.



• Establishing and maintaining trust with the communities we serve.

Animal research is highly regulated, and UCSF is committed to full compliance with all regulatory agencies and oversight groups. Everyone involved in the use of animals in research at UCSF must receive the approval of the UCSF Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, which includes researchers, physicians, veterinarians and members of the public. In addition, the federal Animal Welfare Act sets rigorous standards for the care and treatment of laboratory and research animals.

Beyond what laws and regulations dictate, we recognize that laboratory animals are living creatures that deserve to be treated with care and compassion. We are committed to ensuring the well-being of our animals and to maximizing their comfort and welfare.

We understand the issue of animal research and care is complex. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously. If you would like more information, please contact us at animalresearch@ucsf.edu.

Sincerely,
A. Eugene Washington, M.D., M.Sc.
Executive Vice Chancellor

Consolidated Statement from UC Chancellors on animal research December 5, 2007