NIU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

The NIU IACUC, through the experience and expertise of its members, is charged with the responsibility to oversee the entire Animal Care and Use program at NIU. The IACUC is composed of NIU faculty, staff, a community representative who has no other affiliation with NIU and an attending veterinarian. The IACUC is responsible for reviewing all research, teaching and training activities that involve the use of live, vertebrate animals and sets forth institutional policies governing such activities.

Committee Functions

  • Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold approval of proposed activities related to the care and use of animals.
  • Inspect, at least once every six months, all of the institution's animal facilities, including all satellite facilities, using the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide) as the basis for evaluation.
  • Review, at least once every six months, the institution's program for humane care and use of animals, using the Guide as the basis for evaluation.
  • Evaluate the qualifications of research personnel and provide appropriate training and education as deemed necessary.
  • Make written recommendations to the Institutional Official regarding any aspect of the institution's animal program, facilities, or personnel training.
  • Suspend activities involving animals if the IACUC determines that the activity is not being conducted in accordance with the institution's policy and applicable provisions of the USDA Animal Welfare Act Regulations, the PHS Policy and the Guide.
  • Review and investigate reports of potential non-compliance with regulations governing the care and use of laboratory animals and take corrective actions as necessary.