Idaho State University

Purpose/Membership
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, or IACUC (pronounced Aye-ah-kook) is responsible for oversight and evaluation of all animal programs at ISU and is responsible for ensuring compliance by ISU and its personnel with federal regulations and national standards regarding use of animals in research or education. The IACUC must review and give prior approve for all activities involving animals, either at ISU or under the institution’s auspices (e.g., field research). IACUC performs regular inspections and reviews of the University’s animal program and facilities.

Members must meet certain qualifications based upon experience and expertise, as required by federal regulations. The Committee reports to the “Institutional Official,” or “IO,” who is either the President or his/her designee. At ISU, the Vice President for Research & Economic Development has been designated to fulfill this role. IACUC is required to have a minimum of five members, and is led by a Chair. Both the Chair and the other IACUC members are appointed by the IO.

For ISU Researchers/Instructors: If you wish to use living animals for research or instruction, you must be familiar with the pertinent ISU policies available at the Animal Care Facility website or by accessing the Handbook here. Among other requirements, you must submit an Animal Use Protocol to the IACUC. The IACUC must approve your protocol before any work is performed. Be aware that if you are applying for external funding for a project involving animals, many sponsors ask in their applications if you have submitted your protocols to the IACUC.  The full details of submitting a Protocol are provided in the handbook. The IACUC meets monthly during the academic year and as needed during the summer.

Animal Welfare Assurance number or Public Health Services (PHS) Assurances number is A3623-01.

The protocol must be submitted at least seven days prior to a scheduled IACUC meeting to be reviewed at that meeting.

Assistance and Contact Information
You may contact the IACUC by emailing to anmlcare@isu.edu or via this link. The IACUC reviews any specific concerns or complaints about ISU’s animal care/use. IACUC also has the authority to suspend any activity involving the use of animals which is not being conducted according to accepted standards, applicable laws, regulations and/or institutional policies. Other resources include the Animal Facilities Manager, and an Attending Veterinarian, who, in cooperation with IACUC, provide guidance and assistance regarding proper and humane use of animals.