What is the primary goal of the IACUC in animal research settings?

The primary goal of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is to ensure animal welfare and compliance with regulations. This involves reviewing research proposals to ensure that animal use is justified, humane, and adheres to ethical standards. The IACUC is tasked with ensuring that all research involving animals is conducted in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, which include considerations for the well-being of the animals involved.

By prioritizing animal welfare, the IACUC helps to establish guidelines that prevent unnecessary suffering and ensure that animals are treated with respect and dignity throughout the research process. This goal reflects a commitment to the ethical principles that govern the use of animals in research, striking a balance between scientific inquiry and the moral responsibility researchers have towards their animal subjects. In this way, the IACUC plays a critical role in safeguarding both the integrity of research and the welfare of the animals involved.