Start early! A project involving animals requires time for approval. The IACUC committee will need time to review your project in accordance with federal regulations. Procurement, care and housing needs must be pre-arranged and coordinated with other researchers. All project personnel must be trained.
1. Vet Consultation
For a researcher new to MSU, the following steps are typically required. If you aren't sure if your project requires IACUC approval, review the activities that require IACUC oversight page and/or contact the IACUC administrative staff for an exemption. Start right by consulting early with CAR veterinary staff and IACUC administrators on project protocol design.
2. Project Plan
Most research projects require completion of the Click animal use protocol for documenting your project personnel and protocol in detail.
3. Training
You can begin training at anytime, but completion for all project personnel is required prior to animal use or access to housing facilitites. Requirements vary depending on details of the protocol and personnel responsibilities. Project personnel can begin with basic training requirements.
4. Submit project for IACUC review
Use the Click system portal. The IACUC will review each project. When all requirements are met, the IACUC will approve the project.
5. Get Animals
Upon project approval, you can arrange for importing, transferring, breeding, ordering from approved vendors, acclimating, and housing animals according to MSU guidelines. CAR staff are available for consultation and special services.
6. Facility Access
Access to animal housing and related facililites is restricted, requiring project approval, training and guided tour of special restrictions and available services. Contact CAR to discuss your project needs well in advance.
7. Post-approval
After your project is approved, you'll be required to maintain animal care, records, make reports, and accommodate site inspections. The IACUC may contact the researcher at several points during the process.