TSU Animal Research Program (TARP)

Driving Innovation, Ethics, and Discovery in Animal Reserach

Welcome to TSU's Animal Research Program (TARP), where we uphold the highest standards of ethical animal care and innovative scientific discovery. Our program serves as a cornerstone for advancing biomedical research, addressing critical health challenges, and contributing to global scientific knowledge.

Our Mission

TARP is dedicated to:

Advancing scientific knowledge through ethical and responsible animal research.
Ensuring the humane treatment and welfare of animals in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
Supporting groundbreaking research that improves human and animal health.

Why Animal Reserach is Important

Animal research plays a vital role in understanding complex biological systems, testing medical treatments, and developing life-saving therapies. It has contributed to major advancements, including:

Vaccines for diseases like polio, rabies, and COVID-19.
Breakthroughs in cancer therapies, organ transplants, and diabetes management.
Innovations in veterinary medicine and wildlife conservation.

At Tennessee State University, we conduct animal research only when there are no viable alternatives and ensure that all projects are designed to minimize the use of animals while maximizing scientific value.

Ethical Standards and Compliance

We are committed to the highest standards of animal care and ethical research practices, as guided by:

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC): All research involving animals undergoes rigorous review and approval by the IACUC to ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards.
Federal Regulations: Our program complies with the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, and other applicable laws.
Accreditations: TSU is accredited by the Office of Laboratory Animal Office (OLAW), demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards of ethical animal care and research excellence in compliance with NIH guidelines.

Animal Care and Welfare

The health and well-being of the animals in our care are our top priorities. Key elements of our animal care program include:

Highly Trained Staff: Veterinary and technical staff ensure animals receive exceptional care and attention.
Enrichment Programs: Animals are provided with enrichment activities to support their physical and psychological well-being.
Continuous Monitoring: Animals are monitored daily to ensure optimal health and comfort.

Educational and Training Opportunities

We provide hands-on training and educational programs for students, faculty, and staff to promote ethical research practices. Opportunities include:

Animal care and handling workshops.
Training in regulatory compliance and research ethics.
Research assistantships and internships for students interested in biomedical sciences.

Community Engagement

We believe in transparency and fostering public trust in our research efforts. Through open communication, outreach events, and educational resources, we aim to inform the community about the role and importance of animal research in advancing science and medicine.