Following a site visit in June 2012, the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC) renewed the University of Minnesota’s full accreditation status. This significant achievement recognizes the efforts and dedication of faculty and staff from across the university.
The Council on Accreditation commended the university for providing and maintaining a high-quality program of laboratory animal care and use. Specific elements that were recognized include:
Solid leadership of the animal care and use program by the institutional veterinarian, chair and vice chairs of the IACUC; staff of the IACUC office; and the institutional official, who ensured strong, high-level administrative support
Clean and orderly animal housing facilities and use areas, particularly the facilities maintained by Research Animal Resources staff
Outstanding veterinary care provided by RAR veterinarians and veterinary technicians
An effective faculty liaison program within the IACUC office, which serves to educate the scientific staff and act as a conduit of information between the research staff and the IACUC
A post-approval monitoring program that played an integral role in elevating the quality of animal care and use
Innovative and highly effective environmental enrichment programs
AAALAC is a nonprofit, nonfederal, voluntary organization that reviews animal care and use programs for adherence to published standards, using the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals as the primary basis for its evaluations.
In addition to academic institutions, the AAALAC accreditation program evaluates hospitals, government agencies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and other types of research organizations that use animal in research, teaching or testing. Those that exhibit excellence in animal care and use are awarded accreditation.
November 9, 2012
Animals in research, Practice