About IACUC

MSU recognizes and embraces the fundamental interdependence of humans and animals and is committed to the core value of humane care and use of all animals. Animal-related activities are an integral part of MSU’s teaching, research and outreach missions and help MSU advance the quality of life for people and animals.

Federal Authorization

Michigan State University has established an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) in compliance with the following agency requirements: USDA, USPHS, NRC, FASS. MSU faculty, staff, and students must abide by the care and management practices approved by the IACUC, including application for IACUC approval prior to conducting activities with animals. 

Michigan State University is registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and has an approved Animal Welfare Assurance from the NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW).

AAALAC Accreditation

AAALAC logoMSU is accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC), a highly regarded independent reviewer of animal care programs.

What We Do

The IACUC is responsible for:

  • Ensuring compliance with standards and regulatory requirements; monitoring all activities involving live vertebrate animals;
  • Conducting protocol reviews (reviewing, approving, requiring modifications in, or withholding approval of initial, renewed, or revised, applications to use animals in research and teaching) (IACUC approval process);
  • Conducting facility inspections including animal study areas;
  • Documenting animal use and inspection conditions and filing appropriate reports to University and governmental officials;
  • Investigating any concerns and answering questions about animal use;
  • Suspending activities not conducted in compliance with federal or university regulations, requirements, and/or guidelines.

Who We Are

  • Committee Members: The IACUC includes scientists, veterinarians, and local community representation. All are appointed by the MSU President. 
  • IACUC staff: Administrators knowledgeable in the laws and standards who facilitate IACUC applications to use animals and provide other support to the IACUC/Committee.
  • Operations: Assistant VP for Research Regulatory Support, Laura McCabe, PhD.
  • Institutional Official: Vice President for Research and Innovation, Douglas Gage, PhD.

IACUC