The involvement of animals in research is a privilege, and the humane and ethical treatment of those animals is the responsibility of all members of the university. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is a committee that meets monthly comprised of scientists, veterinarians, non-scientists, and non-affiliated members. The IACUC serves as a resource for faculty, staff and students on the use animals in research and training at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Animal Use Resources

Strand of DNA with evolutionary animals on it Image by Intueri
The IACUC ensures compliance with Public Health Service (PHS), USDA regulations and the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (pdf) by ensuring animal welfare through multiple different mechanisms including:
  1. Review and approval of all research and procedures.
  2. Inspection of all animal facilities where animal work occurs.
  3. Development of institutional policies and guidelines.
  4. Providing reports to the federal agencies.
Additional help is always available at the IACUC Office at IACUC@uml.edu.