What is the minimum number of voting members required for the IACUC?

The minimum number of voting members required for an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is five. This requirement is established to ensure that a diverse and adequately sized committee can make informed decisions regarding animal care and use at research institutions. A committee composed of at least five members allows for a variety of perspectives, which is essential for robust ethical review and oversight. This diversity includes representation from the scientific community, non-scientific members, and individuals who are not affiliated with the institution, which enhances the committee's ability to consider various stakeholder concerns comprehensively. A smaller committee might not adequately represent these varied viewpoints, thereby potentially limiting the effectiveness of its oversight.