Vertebrate Animal Research

Any scientific research or teaching activity that involves collecting data from living non-human vertebrates (i.e. fish, amphibians, lizards, turtles, crocodilians, birds, and mammals) is considered vertebrate animal use. All research and teaching activities conducted on live vertebrates must be approved by the institutional IACUC and comply with federal and state regulations designed to ensure ethical and humane use of vertebrate animals.

Scripps and Pitzer Colleges’ IACUC oversees the care and use of vertebrate animals at the institutions according to the Public Health Service Policy and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The IACUC is responsible for reviewing all animal use protocols and amendments, inspecting animal facilities and laboratories, and overseeing training and educational programs.

An IACUC consists of at least 5 individuals including a veterinarian, at least one scientist, at least one non-scientist, and at least one external member who is not directly affiliated with the colleges. The IACUC reviews each application for vertebrate animal use and determines whether it complies with state and federal guidelines. The IACUC may ask for modifications to a study before approving it.

The IACUC strives to reduce the number of animals required, to facilitate research with techniques that limit pain or distress, and to seek alternative procedures that can supply the required results without the use of living animals. To that end, the IACUC promotes and encourages an atmosphere of attention, concern, and caring for the welfare of animals.

All research projects involving live vertebrate animals requires review and approval by the IACUC. Only faculty can submit a research protocol using live vertebrate animals. Students interested in using live vertebrate animals for a senior thesis project must find a faculty mentor to design and submit a protocol.

Faculty and students must download and complete the entire IACUC protocol form prior to review. The IACUC not only ensures the ethical and humane use of animals but also evaluates the quality of the proposed research. Many of the same factors that affect the quality of animal welfare also impact the quality of scientific research. All protocols must have a summary of previous literature, a sound experimental design and strategy, rigorous and comprehensive evaluation criteria, responsible research practices, and adequate oversight and training.

The Scripps-Pitzer IACUC meets three times a year, at the start of each semester and at the end of the spring semester. A call for proposals is usually sent out to faculty approximately two weeks before each meeting. Prior to the meeting, faculty and students are expected to download and complete the IACUC protocol form. In general, the committee will send a letter to the PI within one month of submission. Please note that multiple rounds of review may be required if either the IACUC requests modifications or if the original application is not clearly written. Faculty and students are encouraged to contact the IACUC as they develop their protocol to discuss the appropriate use of live vertebrates and to ensure that the submitted protocol is complete.

Yes. After your protocol is approved and before conducting research on live vertebrate animals, all personnel including faculty and students must be appropriately trained to perform animal research and provide care. All personnel must complete the online Animal Care and Use training course through the AALAS Learning Library. Additional training may also be required specific to the proposed protocol. As part of the Occupational Health and Safety program, all personnel must also meet with a health care professional to evaluate health and safety risks prior to conducting the proposed research.

Please complete this form if you are interested in submitting a protocol involving live vertebrates. The IACUC chair will respond to your inquiry within a week of submission.