What are some responsibilities of the IACUC?

• A. The IACUC inspects facilities, reviews proposed activities involving animals, and can suspend research activities if necessary
• B. The IACUC audits financial accounts
• C. The IACUC handles shipping of animals
• D. The IACUC trains primary investigators in data analysis

Answer: (A)

The main concept being tested is the IACUC’s role in safeguarding animal welfare through oversight and authority over animal use in research. The IACUC inspects facilities and animal care programs to ensure proper housing, husbandry, veterinary care, and environmental conditions, and it reviews proposed activities to confirm humane treatment, minimization of pain and distress, justification for animal use, and consideration of alternatives. It also has the authority to suspend or require modifications to research activities if standards aren’t met, providing ongoing oversight to protect animal welfare. These responsibilities align with federal and institutional policies guiding ethical animal use.

Financial audits, shipping of animals, and training PIs in data analysis aren’t core IACUC duties; those tasks fall to financial administration, animal transport departments, or research-methods training programs, respectively. The IACUC’s focus is on animal care, welfare, and compliance.