IACUC

Boston University has a mandatory training program, based on federal regulations, that require training for all animal users to ensure that they are qualified to work with and handle animals. All animal users are required to complete this training prior to working with animals, and the IACUC will not approve animal use applications until the training has been completed. The Boston University Medical Campus (BUMC) IACUC and the Charles River Campus (CRC) IACUC have slightly different training programs, so please complete the requirements for the campus you will be conducting animal research on.

IACUC Personnel Training Procedures

In accordance with the University’s Personnel Training and Qualifications Policy, the Boston University Medical Campus IACUC and the Charles River Campus (CRC) IACUC have developed the following required training program for all individuals working with laboratory animals.

BUMC TRAINING PROGRAM

1) IACUC Orientation: All individuals working with laboratory animals must attend at least once the IACUC Orientation prior to being approved to work on an IACUC protocol. This will provide information on Animal Welfare regulations, PHS Policies and basic IACUC policies and standards. Orientation is offered monthly (click here for schedule).

2) Aseptic Surgery Training: All individuals responsible for performing survival surgery must complete aseptic surgery training prior to initiating the experiment. This training is required for survival surgeries conducted on all species of animals. Course information and registration can be found here. Alternatively, you can contact the staff trainer with requests for training.

3) Facility Training: In many circumstances individuals working with laboratory animals will need access to the Laboratory Animal Science Center (LASC). In this case the IACUC requires individuals to participate in the New Researcher Orientation which will provide training and knowledge of basic LASC requirements, animal handling requirements and bio-security issues.

4) Refresher IACUC Training: All individuals working with laboratory animals must complete an on-line refresher course annually. The specific course will be provided by the IACUC.

5) Hands on Training: Boston University has a staff trainer who facilitates training on both the Charles River Campus and the Medical Campus. The trainer offers seminars and wet lab training sessions on various topics. These training sessions are highly recommended and in some cases may be specifically required by the IACUC as part of the training program. More information on the training sessions can be found here.  Alternatively, you can contact the staff trainer with requests for training.

CRC TRAINING PROGRAM

1) Initial IACUC Training

a) Initial Meeting: All individuals working with research animals must meet with the IACUC Compliance Coordinator prior to being approved to work on an IACUC protocol. The purpose of this meeting is to introduce animal researchers to IACUC regulations and to provide an overview of training requirements and recommendations.

b) Online AALAS Training: All individuals working with laboratory animals must complete the “Working with the IACUC: Non-VA version” AALAS training module prior to being approved to work on an IACUC protocol. The purpose of this module is to introduce personnel to the various federal regulations and regulatory agencies.

c) IACUC Orientation: All individuals working with laboratory animals must attend at least once an IACUC orientation session. IACUC orientation is offered monthly (click here for the schedule) and should be completed at the earliest possible date. Topics to be covered include: Federal Regulations; University Policies & Procedures; Animal Facility Policies & Procedures; Veterinary Care; Training Opportunities; and Occupational Health Information.

2) Aseptic Surgery Training: All individuals responsible for performing survival surgery must complete aseptic surgery training prior to initiating the experiment. This training is required for survival surgeries conducted on all species of animals. Course information and registration can be found here. Alternatively, you can contact the staff trainer with requests for training.

3) Facility Training: In many circumstances individuals working with laboratory animals will need access to the Laboratory Animal Care Facilities (LACF). In this case the IACUC requires individuals to participate in the LACF Orientation. 

4) Refresher IACUC Training: All individuals working with laboratory animals (including Principal Investigators) must complete an on-line refresher course at the time of the 3-year protocol renewal. The specific course will be provided by the IACUC.  At least one module every three years is mandatory and the protocol will not be approved until all laboratory personnel listed on the protocol are up to date with required training.

5) Hands on Training: Boston University has a staff trainer who facilitates training on both the Charles River Campus and the Medical Campus. The trainer offers seminars and wet lab training sessions on various topics. These training sessions are highly recommended and in some cases may be specifically required by the IACUC as part of the training program. More information on the training sessions can be found here.  Alternatively, you can contact the staff trainer with requests for training.