Boston College is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical research, especially when it involves animal subjects. To ensure this commitment is met, Boston College has established a robust Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). This committee plays a crucial role in overseeing all aspects of animal care and use within the university’s research, testing, and teaching activities. The existence of the IACUC is not merely a matter of institutional policy; it is a federal mandate, ensuring compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and other relevant regulations.
The primary purpose of the IACUC at Boston College is to serve as an internal oversight body. It is tasked with evaluating the university’s animal program, facilities, and procedures. This evaluation is conducted by experts qualified through their experience and knowledge in animal care and research. The authority of the BC IACUC is directly derived from the Animal Welfare Act, a federal law enforced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This legal foundation underscores the seriousness and importance of the IACUC’s work in maintaining ethical animal care programs.
The responsibilities of the IACUC are comprehensive and cover several key areas of animal research. These responsibilities, as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations, are designed to protect animal welfare and ensure responsible research practices. The IACUC is specifically charged with:
- Review and Approval of Research Proposals: Any research proposal involving vertebrate animals must undergo rigorous review by the IACUC. The committee has the authority to approve, reject, or require modifications to these proposals before research can commence. This ensures that all animal use in research is ethically justified and scientifically sound.
- Semiannual Facility Inspections: To maintain high standards of animal care, the IACUC conducts semiannual inspections of all animal care facilities. This includes laboratories and study areas where animals are housed or used. These inspections are critical for verifying compliance with animal welfare regulations and identifying areas for improvement.
- Investigation of Animal Welfare Concerns: The IACUC is also responsible for investigating any concerns related to animal husbandry and use. This provides a mechanism for addressing potential issues and ensuring that animals are treated humanely and in accordance with established guidelines.
Beyond these core responsibilities, Boston College’s IACUC also operates under specific internal policies to further strengthen its animal care programs. Key policies include:
- Mandatory Protocol Approval: No research involving vertebrate animals can begin without prior approval from the IACUC. This policy ensures that ethical considerations are at the forefront of all animal research activities.
- Approval of Protocol Changes: Any significant changes to already approved research protocols must also be reviewed and approved by the IACUC before implementation. This maintains oversight even as research projects evolve.
- Location Approval for Animal Use: The IACUC must be informed of and approve the location where all vertebrate animals are housed and used for research, testing, and training. This allows for monitoring of animal welfare across all relevant university facilities.
- Adherence to Animal Care Standards: All vertebrate animals used in research at Boston College must be cared for according to the standards set forth in The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. This guide is a widely recognized and respected resource for ensuring best practices in animal care within research settings.
The IACUC at Boston College is composed of a diverse group of individuals, ensuring a range of perspectives and expertise in animal care. The committee’s membership includes:
- A Chairperson to lead the committee’s activities.
- An attending veterinarian who provides expert veterinary guidance.
- Scientists with experience in using laboratory animals in research.
- A community member who is not affiliated with Boston College, representing broader public interests in animal welfare.
- Other members as needed, to provide additional expertise or perspectives.
To ensure timely review of research proposals and other matters, the BC IACUC typically meets in the middle of each month. While regular meetings are scheduled, ad hoc meetings can also be arranged if urgent issues arise. For researchers needing IACUC review, all materials must be submitted by the end of the month preceding the scheduled meeting to be included on the agenda. Submissions should be sent electronically to the IACUC via email at iacuc@bc.edu.
Boston College encourages a culture of responsible research, and part of this involves providing channels for reporting any perceived deficiencies in animal care or policy. Anyone who believes there has been a violation of animal care policies is encouraged to submit a written report to the BC IACUC. The IACUC is committed to investigating all allegations of impropriety. Reports can be submitted to the IACUC chair, any committee member, or the attending veterinarian. To facilitate effective investigation, reports should be as specific as possible in describing the alleged violation. Boston College prioritizes confidentiality and will make every legally permissible effort to protect the source of reports. Furthermore, the university strictly prohibits any discrimination or reprisal against any employee or student for reporting alleged violations of BC Animal Care and Use policies.
To support researchers in navigating the IACUC process and animal care policies, Boston College provides readily accessible resources. All necessary forms for IACUC submissions can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B_CK92G8VDSvZDQzQjE1S2RmR0U. Comprehensive information on policies and procedures related to research involving animals, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the primary animal research policy, occupational health manual, personnel training guidelines, policies on single housing of animals, and general facility policies, are available at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B_CK92G8VDSvQ0hOVnp2WWROVlE.
In conclusion, Boston College’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee is a vital component of the university’s research infrastructure. Through its diligent oversight, policy development, and commitment to ethical practices, the IACUC ensures that all animal care programs at Boston College meet the highest standards of welfare and regulatory compliance. Researchers are encouraged to engage with the IACUC and utilize the provided resources to ensure their work aligns with the university’s commitment to responsible and humane animal research.
