What is necessary for the IACUC to convene a meeting?

For the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to convene a meeting, it is essential that a quorum of the committee is present. A quorum refers to the minimum number of members that must be present to conduct business and make decisions on behalf of the committee. This requirement ensures that the decisions made are representative of the entire committee and adhere to the necessary governance standards.

Having a quorum is vital because it guarantees that various viewpoints are considered, allowing for a balanced and fair discussion regarding the care and use of animals in research. Without a quorum, any decisions made may lack legitimacy and could potentially violate regulations, undermining the integrity of the IACUC's operations.

The other options do not represent necessary criteria for convening a meeting. There is no requirement for a set of emergency items to be on the agenda for regular IACUC meetings; the agenda is typically determined based on the needs of the committee. Pre-approval of a majority vote is not a standard requirement for convening a meeting either; votes occur during the meeting itself based on the discussions held. Lastly, while external observers may be invited to some IACUC meetings, their presence is not a necessity for the committee to convene.