Protocol Review

Animals used in biomedical research may experience pain or distress as part of the experimental protocol. By implementing humane endpoints, pain or distress can be prevented or alleviated whilst still meeting scientific aims and objectives. We invited experts from Arizona State University (Samantha Sullivan) and Loma Linda University (Obed Rutebuka), along with USDA and OLAW representatives (Louis DiVincenti and Axel Wolff), to respond to a scenario about the importance of defining humane endpoints in research protocols.

Protocol Review 04 Jun 2024

The risk of oversight

A clear organizational reporting structure within the Animal Care and Use Program and a collegial working relationship between the Institutional Official, Attending Veterinarian and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee are essential to maintain the highest standards of animal wellbeing and research quality. We invited experts from The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research (Michelle Aparicio) and Rice University (Sarah Viranda and Elysse Ann Orchard), along with USDA and OLAW representatives (Louis DiVincenti and Axel Wolff), to respond to a challenging situation at Great Eastern University.

Protocol Review 03 Apr 2024

The weights of refinement and flexibility

IACUCs need to ensure the application of the 3Rs, while allowing researchers to conduct their work with reasonable flexibility. We invited experts from the University of Notre Dame (Eric Felde) and Northwestern University (Stefanie Bittner), along with USDA and OLAW representatives (Louis DiVincenti and Axel Wolff) to respond to a challenging situation at Great Eastern University.

Protocol Review 02 Feb 2024

Emotional support for everyone

While emotional support animals can provide comfort for those with mental or emotional disabilities, several factors must be considered when determining the necessary oversight of these animals in institutional academic or research buildings. We invited experts from Wayne State University (Erin Katz), University of California San Francisco (Carine Serageldine) and the University of Oregon (Stephanie Womack, Audrey Harris and Kathy Snell) along with Acting Director, OLAW (Axel Wolff) to respond to a perplexing situation at Great Eastern University.

Protocol Review 03 Jan 2024

The Pain and Distress of VVC