Who is responsible for appointing members to serve on the IACUC?

The CEO, or Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for appointing members to serve on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). This role is essential in ensuring that the committee has a diverse membership that encompasses various perspectives necessary to effectively oversee animal research and ensure compliance with ethical standards and regulations.

The CEO's involvement underscores the importance of institutional commitment to animal welfare, as this position typically has the authority to allocate resources and prioritize the institution's research agenda. By appointing IACUC members, the CEO helps ensure that the committee is equipped with the requisite expertise and independence to evaluate animal use in research projects adequately.

Other roles listed may have relevant functions in the research environment, but they do not hold the authority to appoint IACUC members as part of their responsibilities. For instance, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) primarily focuses on human subjects research, while the attending veterinarian provides veterinary care and expertise rather than appointing members to the committee. The Institutional Official (IO) often plays a significant role in animal welfare oversight but ultimately, it is the CEO who makes the final appointments.