Biomedical Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

"Ensuring Ethical and Humane Care in Animal Research."

The Biomedical Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (BIACUC) at Tennessee State University is responsible for overseeing the ethical and humane treatment of animals in research and teaching. BIACUC ensures that all animal-related activities comply with federal, state, and institutional regulations, including the USDA Animal Welfare Act (CFR 1985), the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals , and Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals . The committee reviews and approves research protocols, monitors ongoing projects, and provides guidance on best practices for animal care and use.

Our goal is to support researchers while ensuring the welfare of animals involved in research. We are dedicated to fostering ethical research practices that contribute to scientific advancement while prioritizing animal well-being.

Roles and Responsibilities

IACUC is committed to:

  • Ensuring compliance with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), Public Health Service (PHS) Policy, and other applicable regulations.
  • Reviewing and approving research protocols involving live vertebrate animals.
  • Conducting regular facility inspections to ensure appropriate housing, care, and use of animals.
  • Investigating concerns regarding animal welfare.
  • Providing training and resources for faculty, staff, and students involved in animal research.

Protocol Review and Approval

All research, teaching, or testing activities involving vertebrate animals must be approved by BIACUC before commencement. Researchers must:

  1. Submit a detailed Animal Use Protocol (AUP) describing study objectives, animal care procedures, and justifications for animal use.
  2. Obtain IACUC approval before acquiring, handling, or working with animals.
  3. Submit protocol amendments for any changes to approved procedures.

Training Requirements

All personnel involved in animal research must complete:

  • Ethical and regulatory training on the humane use of animals.
  • Species-specific handling and care training to ensure animal welfare.
  • Occupational health and safety training as applicable
  • Biosafety training  to ensure properly handling of infectious organisms and hazardous biological materials

Reporting Animal Welfare Concerns

Tennessee State University promotes a culture of compliance and transparency in animal research and is committed to the humane and ethical care of animals used in research, teaching, and testing. In accordance with federal regulations and university policies, any individual who has concerns regarding the welfare, treatment, or use of animals is encouraged — and has the right — to report these concerns without fear of retaliation.

What to Report
Concerns may include, but are not limited to:

  • Suspected mistreatment o abuse of animals
  • Noncompliance with approved IACUC protocol
  • Inadequate veterinary care
  • Unsanitary or unsafe housing conditions
  • Use of unapproved procedures
  • Signs of unnecessary pain, distress, or suffering 
  • Conducting animal work without appropriate approval
  • Breach of institutional or federal animal care policies 

Who Can Report
Any individual — including students, staff, faculty, visiting researchers, or the general public — can report a concern related to animal welfare. All reports will be taken seriously and handled confidentially to the extent possible.

How to Report a Concern
You may report concerns using one of the following methods:

Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation Policy
The university strictly prohibits retaliation against individuals who, in good faith, report concerns regarding animal care and use. All reports will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law and university policy. Individuals can choose to remain anonymous if they prefer.