The University of Mississippi
Research and Sponsored Programs
Animal Research ~ Frequently Asked Questions ~ General
What is the IACUC and what is its purpose?
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is appointed by the Chancellor and is responsible for institutional compliance with the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals mandated by the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, the Animal Welfare Act of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and all other applicable laws and regulations. The IACUC serves to assure the humane care and use of animals utilized for testing, research, teaching, or training purposes at the University of Mississippi.
Who must apply to the IACUC?
All animal research conducted at, by, or under the auspices of the University of Mississippi, whether funded or not and whether conducted by administrators, faculty, staff, or students, must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) before the research begins.
When does the IACUC meet?
The IACUC meets once a month. The meeting schedule is at www.olemiss.edu/depts/research/compliance/animal/animal_meetings.html. Contact the IACUC Research Compliance Specialist, Division of Research Integrity and Compliance (x7482, or askiacuc@research.olemiss.edu) for additional information or assistance.
Can I be a principal investigator on an IACUC application?
A principal investigator can be a faculty member, post-doctoral student, or staff member. For post-doctoral students serving as principal investigators, their supervising faculty member must be listed as an advisor and sign on the designated line. For staff serving as a principal investigator, their unit manager/leader must sign the application on the designated line. All principal investigators are required to have their department head sign the application on the designated line. Although graduate and undergraduate students cannot serve as principal investigators, they can be listed as co-investigators with a faculty member serving as the principal investigator.
Where can I get an application?
Applications may be obtained online at www.olemiss.edu/depts/research/compliance/compliance_forms.html#iacuc.
Can applications be sent through e-mail?
Applications are submitted through e-mail to askiacuc@research.olemiss.edu. A signed copy of the signature page is delivered to the IACUC office in 100 Barr Hall or faxed to 915-7577.
What if I have questions about completing the application?
Call the IACUC Research Compliance Specialist (RCS) at 915-7482, or e-mail your questions to askiacuc@research.olemiss.edu. The IACUC RCS will be glad to assist you in completing your application and answer any questions you have about the review process.