Resources: Training, Policies and Regulation
In order to be compliant with federal regulations, all personnel working with laboratory animals must be appropriately qualified and trained in the procedures to be performed. UB sets high standards for its researchers, going beyond the state and federal regulations to seek and earn voluntary accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care for the humane treatment of laboratory animals.
The IACUC and LAF invite you to learn more about the policies, regulations and organizations that guide the university's animal research.
PI Requirements
After submission of a protocol or amendment for IACUC review, the IACUC Office will notify the Principal Investigator (PI) and applicable personnel if any aspects of the training requirements are incomplete.
PIs must complete these requirements regardless of whether or not they will work directly with live animals, as they are ultimately responsible for activities performed under the protocol.
IACUC Required Training
The IACUC and the Laboratory Animal Facility (LAF) work together to ensure that personnel are appropriately qualified and trained in the procedures to be performed in order to ensure humane treatment of the animals.
In order to receive IACUC approval, all personnel working with animals are required to complete both online tutorials and hands-on training classes, in addition to each laboratory's own PI-mentored training.
Online Training
Online training is provided through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program. CITI Program courses are comprised of modules containing material that can either be read on your computer screen or printed and read. A brief online quiz following the completion of each module must be completed in order to receive credit for the course.
Please see the "How to Access CITI Programs Online Training" link below for assistance with registering and completing CITI courses.
IACUC Newsletter
Read Compliance Corner – the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with the latest compliance news.
Only available for faculty with UBIT access.
Click IACUC Module Training
The IACUC will be transitioning to the electronic protocol management system Click. At the time of implementation, all IACUC protocols must be submitted via the Click Portal. To attend a training session for Click, please register.
Hands-on Training
Personnel must demonstrate competence in basic animal procedures, as well as skills specific to the species being used, by completing all hands-on training classes appropriate to their research.
Hands-on training is conducted by CM-LAF staff and offered on a rolling basis.
Required classes must be completed within 60 days of the protocol/amendment approval date, unless previously completed.
All students attending hands-on classes are required to bring a lab coat.
Webinars
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers resources and webinars.
Alternative Searches for IACUC
Meeting the Requirements of the Animal Welfare Act Workshop
Training Waivers
Complete this form if you are seeking an exemption from specific IACUC training requirements based on prior training or relevant experience. The form will be reviewed by the IACUC and approved if the prior experience is deemed sufficient to waive the training requirement.
Need help with IACUC approval?
Click Portal Support
Submit a request for Click Portal assistance with RIS (Research Information Systems) for role changes, user requests, department assignments, etc.
Need help with an Alternative Search?
Set up a literature search consultation by contacting
the UB health sciences librarians at askHSL@buffalo.edu
Links to National Animal Care Guides and Resources
The National Research Council approves the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. It promotes humane care of animals used in research, teaching or testing that enhances the quality of biomedical research.
The IACUC Central is a comprehensive repository, a valuable resource for institutional animal care and use committee members and staff. It's updated quarterly and contains pages of links to governmental agencies, databases, examples of institutional websites and training resources.
The AVMA Panel on Euthanasia develops guidelines with support from its working groups. It guides veterinarians who carry out or oversee the euthanasia of animals, recommending ways to relieve pain and suffering of the animals.
AAALAC International is a private, nonprofit organization promoting the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment. More than 950 companies, universities, hospitals, government agencies and other research institutions in 41 countries have earned AAALAC accreditation.
NIH's Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) provides guidance on the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. It supports educational programs and monitors compliance with the policy by assured institutions.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture works to ensure proper animal care and comfort through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Research animal regulations are in CFR title 9, chapter 1, subchapter A.
This book serves as an introductory guide to hazards associated with the care and use of research animals. It focuses on protecting the health and safety of investigators and employees.
This advisory documents focuses on biosafety-the safe handling and containment of infectious microorganisms and hazardous biological materials. It guides researchers in containment and riskassessment.
Information on Genetically Modified Rodents
Learn more about the Komp Repository