Duke University and its Medical Center recognize the indispensable role of animal research in advancing biological and medical science. Upholding the highest ethical standards, Duke is committed to providing exceptional care and treatment to all animals involved in its research and educational programs. This dedication is reflected in its comprehensive animal care and use program, ensuring both scientific progress and animal well-being.
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at Duke
The cornerstone of Duke’s commitment is the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). This diverse committee comprises scientists, non-scientists, veterinarians, and community representatives. The Duke IACUC is entrusted with the critical responsibility of overseeing and rigorously evaluating every aspect of the Duke Animal Care and Use Program. This includes meticulous assessment of the care, treatment, housing conditions, and utilization of all animals under the program’s purview. Furthermore, the IACUC plays a vital role in certifying Duke’s adherence to all relevant regulatory and oversight benchmarks, ensuring ethical and compliant animal research practices.
Office of Animal Welfare Assurance (OAWA) Support
To facilitate the IACUC’s crucial functions, the Office of Animal Welfare Assurance (OAWA) provides essential administrative support. OAWA acts as the administrative arm, enabling the IACUC to effectively meet its institutional, regulatory, and oversight obligations. Beyond IACUC support, OAWA extends its services to researchers by providing guidance and support for the responsible use of controlled substances in both animal and in-vitro research settings. OAWA is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service to all participants within the Duke Animal Care and Use Program, fostering a collaborative and supportive research environment.
Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) and Veterinary Expertise
Duke University’s Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) embodies the institution’s commitment to humane animal care. DLAR is composed of a team of highly skilled and dedicated professionals passionate about the ethical care and use of research animals. Serving as a central resource for investigators, DLAR is committed to maintaining premier laboratory animal programs. The core mission of DLAR is to provide the highest standard of care, thereby ensuring the best possible quality of life for every laboratory animal under their charge.
The DLAR mission is guided by five key goals:
- Providing superior care for all laboratory animals at Duke University.
- Serving as a comprehensive resource for investigators and administrators on all laboratory animal related matters.
- Delivering high-quality animal research models to support groundbreaking research.
- Maintaining full compliance with all regulatory and accreditation mandates, in close collaboration with Duke’s IACUC.
- Establishing Duke University as a leader in the field of laboratory animal science and management, contributing to best practices and innovation.
Duke University’s Animal Care and Use program has earned full accreditation from AAALAC International, signifying its commitment to excellence in animal care. Duke is also a registered research facility with the US Department of Agriculture, complying with the Animal Welfare Act and its amendments. Furthermore, Duke holds a Category 1 Assurance with the Public Health Service through the NIH’s Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare in research.
