Research Policy Analysis and Coordination
Research involving animals
As an internationally recognized teaching, research and service institution, the University of California is dedicated to understanding the world that we live in and to applying that knowledge for the benefit of our planet and to improve human condition. In pursuing that mission, research at University of California draws on a variety of research models, including animals, to help answer questions about human and animal health and disease.
The University of California is committed to highest ethical standards in the conduct of its biomedical and social science/behavioral research, by applying and promoting humane, responsible animal care and use in its research and teaching activities. All research involving vertebrate animals is subject to rigorous reviews by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) located at UC campuses and care of research animals is overseen at each campus by highly qualified Attending Veterinarians. UC strives to comply with federal and state regulations governing the humane care and use of laboratory animals, including the USDA Animal Welfare Act. In addition, UC campuses are all accredited by independent organizations that promote humane treatment of animals in science.
Contact: Dragana Alexander at Dragana.Alexander@ucop.edu or (510) 987-9634, and Sean Mayuga at Sean.Mayuga@ucop.edu or (510) 987-0247
Policies & Guidance
University Policy on the Use of Animals in Research and Teaching PDF
October 15, 1984Contract and Grant Manual Chapter 18
Protection of Research Subjects
UC Memorandum of Understanding for Mutual Assistance in Support of the UC Research Administration & Compliance Infrastructure PDF
October 2020This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizes voluntary mutual assistance in areas of research administration and compliance, including animal care. The MOU can be utilized in times of emergency or disaster or in times when one campus experiences extraordinary circumstances or vacancies in key compliance areas necessary to continue research programs.
External Laws, Regulations & Policies
Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare Link
The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) oversees the care and use of research animals in Public Health Service (PHS)-funded research
PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Link | Frequently Asked Questions on PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Link
Animal Welfare Act PDF
The Animal Welfare Act, signed into law in 1966, is the only Federal law in the United States that regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. Other laws, policies, and guidelines may include additional species coverage or specifications for animal care and use, but all refer to the Animal Welfare Act as the minimum acceptable standard.
Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Edition PDF | Implementation Plan Link
Related Resources
AAALAC International Link
Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care