Animal Subjects Research Protection
The Institutional Research Offices support all human subjects research protections. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at the U.S. Air Force Academy is responsible for assessment and oversight of the institution’s program components and facilities. The principle is that all who care for, use, or produce animals for research, testing, or teaching must assume responsibility for the animal’s well-being.
The program
The activities conducted by and at an institution that directly impact the well-being of animals, including animal and veterinary care, policies and procedures, personnel and program management and oversight, occupational health and safety, IACUC functions, and animal facility design and management. The Academy program is composed of an Institutional Official attending veterinarian and the IACUC with membership.
Laboratory animals
Any vertebrate animal such as traditional laboratory animals, agricultural animals, wildlife, and aquatic species produced for or used in research, testing, or teaching.
Animal Use
The proper care, use, and humane treatment of laboratory animals produced for or used in research, testing, or teaching.
The Guide
The primary reference that plays an important role in decision-making when caring for animals. It establishes the minimum ethical, practice, and care standards for researchers and institutions. The goal of the Guide is to promote the humane care and use of laboratory animals by providing information that will enhance animal well-being, the quality of research, and the advancement of scientific knowledge that is relevant to both humans and animals.
Replacement, refinement, and reduction
The three “Rs” researchers must apply when considering experimental design in laboratory animal research. (Russell and Burch 1959).