Q: My research involves the use of human subjects. Humans are vertebrates! Do I need to submit a protocol for IACUC review?
A: No. All human subjects research is overseen by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Please review guidelines at the IRB website to ensure compliance.
Q: I am only using vertebrates as a demonstration in class. We will not be performing any experiments. Do I need to submit a protocol for IACUC review?
A: Any research or demonstration that involves manipulation or sacrifice/euthanasia of a vertebrate and/or collection of data requires a protocol submission and IACUC approval, regardless of whether or not the data will be published or the work is funded. The purpose of IACUC is to safeguard the welfare of animals used in research and teaching. If an animal is ONLY used as a demonstration (by you, a guest speaker, or a student) – for example: “This is a snake” – then IACUC approval is NOT required. (if that snake is fed other, living vertebrates as part of the demo however, IACUC approval WOULD be required). If you are at all unsure, please email iacuc@stedwards.edu to inquire about your specific situation.
Similarly, the housing of animals in SEU facilities that would require the sacrifice of other vertebrates (housing snakes that need to be fed live mice for example) would require IACUC approval, even if those housed animals are not used for data collection.
Q: Who can function as a “Principal Investigator” and submit a protocol for review?
A: Only full time, permanent SEU faculty or staff can be a Principal Investigator. ALL submitted protocols MUST have a full time, permanent SEU faculty/staff member who is responsible for the work. Protocols submitted by an adjunct faculty member or student will not be reviewed without a sponsoring full time SEU faculty/staff member.
Q: I do field work with vertebrates. Do I need to submit a protocol for IACUC review?
A: Yes. If your work involves handling of live vertebrate animals you must complete and submit the Animal Use Protocol Form and all applicable training certificates. If your work consists of the direct, unobtrusive observation of free-ranging vertebrate animals under natural conditions and does not require that animals be contacted, captured or restrained at any time you should complete the “Protocol for Field Observational Studies”. Your study will be reviewed by the IACUC and may be exempt from further review.
Q: I am working with a collaborator and our project uses vertebrates in research. Do we need IACUC approval at both institutions?
A: No. However, when submitting a grant proposal there must be a written memorandum of understanding between the two institutions that outlines the responsibilities for animal care, use, and oversight. There MUST be an IACUC protocol on file (somewhere) for all research projects with non-human vertebrates.
Q: I’m preparing a grant proposal – if funded it will require IACUC approval. When should I request IACUC review?
A: Before or at the same time as the proposal is submitted. Often granting agencies will not require approval until after funding is awarded; however, when they make this request they often want an answer in a very short time. Because the members of IACUC are busy faculty, veterinarians and community members, this makes the review process difficult (especially if the protocol requires modifications before approval can be granted). Please submit an IACUC protocol for your proposed project before or at the same time the proposal is submitted. This will give IACUC plenty of time to review, make recommendations for modifications, and approve your protocol; then the paperwork is ready when the funding agency requests it!
Q: My research involves tissue samples from vertebrates. Do I need IACUC approval to work with these samples?
A: If the samples are no longer part of a living non-human vertebrate when you receive them, then no, you do not need IACUC approval. If you are collecting the samples from living vertebrates yourself, there must be an IACUC approval on file somewhere – either with SEU if the work was initiated here, or with a collaborating institution if you are working with collaborators (in which case there should be a memorandum of understanding on file that outlines the responsibilities for animal care, use, and oversight.)