What is Animal Care and Use Research at Missouri State University?

The IACUC reviews research and other activities involving animals to ensure that they are justified by their benefits and minimize any animal pain or suffering. University employees using animals in biomedical/agricultural research, teaching, and/or display must have IACUC approval to do so.

Through the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs (OSRP) and the IACUC, it is ensured that all animals used in research are treated in a humane and ethical manner, and that personnel adhere to all policies and guidelines set forth by state and federal regulations as outlined in Missouri State University assurance letters with the Public Health Service (PHS) and the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW). (Links open in a new window).

OSRP administers the business and executes the duties of the Institutional Animal care and Use Committee (IACUC), provides training and continuing education to researchers, technicians, and IACUC members, and disseminates information on animal care and use, regulatory issues, and animal use protocols.

Compliance aside, it is the personal responsibility of every individual, especially principal investigators working with animals, to ensure that all animals are treated with respect and handled humanely.