IACUC Ongoing Training
Dr. Tea Leaf is preparing his lab for the upcoming AAALAC re-accreditation visit. His lab members are new to this process and ask, "What is AAALAC and why does it matter?" What is the correct response Dr. Tea Leaf should provide to his staff?
A. AAALAC International is a voluntary accreditation body dedicated to improving the welfare of animals in science and education. Being accredited means that the institution goes above and beyond with animal welfare and opens additional funding opportunities that require accreditation.
B. AAALAC, International is the administrator of grants, and they audit the studies they fund annually.
Dr. Tea Leaf is preparing his lab for the upcoming AAALAC re-accreditation visit. His lab members are new to this process and ask, "What is AAALAC and why does it matter?" What is the correct response Dr. Tea Leaf should provide to his staff?
A. AAALAC International is a voluntary accreditation body dedicated to improving the welfare of animals in science and education. Being accredited means that the institution goes above and beyond with animal welfare and opens additional funding opportunities that require accreditation.
B. AAALAC, International is the administrator of grants, and they audit the studies they fund annually.
Learner Feedback: The correct answer is A. AAALAC International is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the welfare of animals in science and education through accreditation and education programs. Earning AAALAC accreditation includes both a thorough internal review and a rigorous external review by an expert site visit team. Because participating in the accreditation program is voluntary, it demonstrates an institution’s commitment to go above and beyond the minimums required.
Institutions choose to participate in the AAALAC accreditation program for a variety of reasons. Some use accreditation as a symbol of quality—it shows that an institution is serious about setting, achieving and maintaining high standards for animal research programs. AAALAC accreditation also promotes scientific validity—when research involves animals; reliable results depend on healthy animals and superior animal care. And perhaps most importantly, accreditation demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond the minimums required by law and assures the public that the institution is committed to the responsible use and treatment of animals in science and education.
If you would like to learn more about AAALAC International or Northwestern's accreditation, please see the NU IACUC Website: Resources for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the AAALAC International Website