- Include original PI signatures on your application forms and all correspondence to IACUC.
- Read the entire application form first and think about how you will answer each question. This will give you
an idea of where to be general and where to be specific when similar information is requested.
- Fill out the form as if you are talking to a lay audience. IACUC members all have basic scientific knowledge,
but they don't all share the same areas of scientific expertise.
- If you are having a difficult time describing the details of work that will occur in the second or third year of the
protocol, describe the work that is currently planned and provide written assurance that future work will be submitted for review.
If the goals and procedures are similar, future experiments and requests for additional animals can be added as an addendum without
having to complete a new form.
- Be as specific as possible on the application form. Vague descriptions of experiments usually lead to prolonged
correspondence with the IACUC and delays in approval.
- Performing pilot studies to minimize potential complications in the project;
- Use an appropriate species to maximize data return;
- Consult a statistician in an effort to determine the minimum number of animals needed to show statistical significance;
- Use animals as their own controls;
- Reduce experimental variability by using animals of defined genetic or microbiological status;
- Control for factors such as stress, diet, housing, etc. that may affect results.
Ensure, through comprehensive literature searches and consultation with colleague and other resources, that experiments are not
unnecessarily duplicated; and
Share tissues, blood, etc. or live animals with other investigators provided the sharing does not increase pain or distress caused
to the animal.
