About the Lehman IACUC
Both federal and state regulations require the humane treatment of animals used in research and educational activities. Meeting these requirements is the function of the Lehman College Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Quality science requires quality animal care. The IACUC works together with the researcher to ensure that animal experiments and educational activities are conducted in accordance with the highest scientific, humane, and ethical principles.
All studies involving the use of live animals must be approved by the IACUC. This applies to all animals, even those that do not enter the animal facilities, those that may be sacrificed upon arrival, and those found in the field. It also includes animal studies performed at other institutions by Lehman College faculty and staff.
The Lehman College Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee is responsible for oversight of all aspects of animal care and use. The committee includes faculty members with experience in animal studies, a veterinarian, at least one non-science faculty member, and a non-affiliated community member. In addition, the IACUC Administrator and the Animal Facility Director attend committee meetings. The chair and all members are appointed by the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Provost has been given this delegation as the Institutional Official (IO) by the President of the College (CEO). The IACUC conforms to the general public health service guidelines (PHS policy at IV.A.3.B) concerning membership. Responsibilities of the IACUC include the inspection of the animal facilities and laboratories where animals are housed and/or used. The committee also reviews the entire animal care and use program. In addition, they must approve all protocols before animals may be ordered and must certify that all individuals are appropriately trained.
The IACUC meets regularly to review all research or educational use of animals at the College. This may include work with animals that is performed at other institutions by Lehman faculty and students. No use of animals may begin without the written approval of the IACUC. New animal proposals must be submitted to the IACUC using the APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL FOR PROJECTS INVOLVING VERTEBRATE ANIMALS. Protocols must be reviewed by designated committee members, and may require full review at a convened meeting. Protocols may be approved for up to three years but require annual review by the IACUC (the ANNUAL REVIEW FORM must be submitted annually.) Continuation beyond three years requires a new protocol submission. Minor and significant changes to approved protocols must be submitted in writing to the IACUC for approval using the APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL FOR PROJECTS INVOLVING VERTEBRATE ANIMALS. All individuals working on animal protocols must be trained and approved by the IACUC before they may work with animals.
Guidelines for writing and submitting animal protocols are available from the National Institutes of Health. It is recommended that protocols should be submitted at least four to eight weeks prior to the start date of the project to provide sufficient time for IACUC review and possible modifications needed for approval.
