Policies on Research with Animals
Every institution in the United States that conducts research on vertebrate animals is required to have an institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The goal of the IACUC is “to ensure the humane care and use of animals used in research, and compliance with guidelines and regulations, while maintaining flexibility to best meet the unique needs of the institution and individual researchers” (Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare Guidebook, 2002). The UTRGV IACUC consists of faculty members (both scientists and non-scientists), a veterinarian, and a community member that is not affiliated with the University. The IACUC reviews all proposals for animal research and approval must be obtained before the proposed research begins.
If you are planning to conduct research using animals, either on campus and/or somewhere else, e.g., at the Gladys Porter Zoo, you will need to follow the guidance provided on the IACUC website.
Completed application forms can be emailed to the Research Compliance Office - IACUC (iacuc@utrgv.edu).
For more information:
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
BRHP 2.210 A (Brownsville Campus)
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
One West University Blvd.
Brownsville, Texas 78520
Phone: (956) 882-7731
Email: iacuc@utrgv.edu