THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH

ANIMAL RESEARCH AND CARE

Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Research and Care at UCSF

3. Who has oversight over the animal research program?

Before any research study involving animals begins at UCSF, the protocol undergoes a rigorous review for scientific merit by the outside funding agencies, such as NIH, the National Science Foundation, and others.

UCSF is subject to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, along with all University of California policies governing the care and use of animals in research. This includes regulations by the U.S. Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the National Research Council's Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the USDA Animal Welfare Act regulations regarding the care and use of animals in a research setting.

In addition, every proposed research study involving animals at UCSF undergoes an in-depth scientific and ethical review through the UCSF Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which determines whether the study may be conducted.

A scientist may not begin a study involving animals until the proposed research protocol has been reviewed and approved by the UCSF IACUC.
The charge to IACUC is animal welfare, and IACUC is committed to a quality program with the highest standards of care. An IACUC review must take place prior to initiation of any research protocol involving animals.

IACUC is composed of a dedicated team of 16 individuals, including UCSF faculty members from various specialties, UCSF veterinary staff, and three members of the public, one of whom also is a veterinarian.

UCSF is fully accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC), an independent, non-profit organization that inspects and evaluates animal research programs and facilities. This accreditation is voluntary and is considered the gold standard both by advocates and critics of animal research. It is recognized as demanding the highest ethical standards for the care and study of animals.

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