IACUC Application Process
The IACUC application is a written document designed to allow research investigators to address animal welfare considerations as well as other information required by the PHS Policy and USDA Regulations. The application is used by the committee to evaluate the research with respect to the care and treatment of animals. It is also used by various regulatory agencies, e.g., the USDA, to evaluate the compliance of the institution with the various policies and regulations. In a very real sense, the care with which investigators complete the applications determines whether they may do the research, but it also determines whether the institution may continue to do research. Therefore, investigators are required to complete all sections of the IACUC application according to the instructions on the form, and, in so doing, provide all the information necessary to all these purposes.
Once the application (the IACUC refers to them as "protocols") is submitted, it is reviewed in one of two ways. Simple protocols, with few possible animal welfare issues, are eligible for designated review; more complicated protocols--with more possible animal welfare issues, protocols using USDA-covered species, and protocols for educational and teaching animal use must be reviewed by the full committee at a meeting.
Full Committee Review. Protocols that require full committee review must be submitted to the IACUC by the last work day of the month. Two members of the committee are assigned as reviewers. They present their findings after reviewing the protocol, the protocol is discussed by the committee, and a vote is taken. Protocols may be approved with or without changes or they may be tabled pending further information.
Designated Review. Protocols that qualify for designated review may be submitted to the IACUC by any Monday of the month. Such protocols are assigned to 2-3 members of the committee for review, but all members receive the protocol. The reviewers then recommend that the protocol be approved with or without changes or sent to the full committee for review. Any member of the committee may refer the protocol for full committee review.
Different applications are used for different kinds of projects requiring use of animals:
- Faculty Research
- Student Research
- Education and Training
- Breeding Colony
- External research - Requires one of the forms above, but is reviewed differently.
Additional forms are provided for changes to and review of ongoing research projects:
- Request for Change
- USDA Annual Continuing Reviews
- 3-Year De Novo Review
The different applications ask the investigator for different information; so it is imperative that you get the correct form when applying and use the most current version (found on this website). Application forms may be obtained online at http://www.unmc.edu/iacuc/index.cfm?conref=6 and should be submitted to the following address:
UNMC IACUC
987830 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska 68198-7830
IACUCORA@unmc.edu
Important Information for Use in Completing the Application
- Important Information Regarding USDA Requirements Concerning Alternatives to Potentially Painful Procedures. In completing the application forms you will be asked to specify what alternatives you have considered to procedures that are potentially painful. You will be asked where you looked for such alternatives and why you ultimately rejected them. This page will help you in completing that section of the application.
- Justification for the Number of Animals to be Used. The application form asks you to justify the number of animals you will use in your research project. It is not enough simply to say you need a certain number to get siginificant results. Here is some help in providing this information.
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