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THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH ANIMAL RESEARCH AND CARE |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Research and Care at UCSF
1. Why does UCSF conduct research using animals? UCSF is dedicated to saving lives and improving health. One way the campus community addresses this mission is by conducting advanced biomedical research. The use of animals in research has been proven to be critical for making progress in some aspects of the biomedical sciences. 2. What are some examples of UCSF animal research studies that led to improving human health? Animal research has paved the way for nearly every medical advance of the last century. It continues to be a key force in advances in understanding cancer, heart disease, inflammatory diseases, and chronic pain, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 3. Who has oversight over the animal research program? Animal research is highly regulated, and UCSF is committed to full compliance with all regulatory agencies and oversight groups. Everyone involved in the use of animals in research at UCSF must receive the approval of the UCSF Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which includes researchers, physicians, veterinarians and members of the public. In addition, the federal Animal Welfare Act sets rigorous standards for the care and treatment of laboratory and research animals. 4. What are the steps in the process for approving a research protocol involving animals? Prior to beginning their research, UCSF scientists must undergo a rigorous peer review process to obtain approval for funding. All investigators who propose to conduct research involving animals must also submit a protocol that follows guidelines set forth by the U.S Public Health Service, the National Research Council, and the USDA Animal Welfare Act. Once scientific merit has been established, the University’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) carefully evaluates the protocol. 5. How large is the UCSF animal research program? Only about 8-10 percent of UCSF’s total research enterprise involves animals. Ninety-eight percent of all animals used in research are rodents. UCSF’s total research enterprise involves some 8,000 active research protocols at any given time. 6. Have computers and other technical advances made it possible to reduce the number of animals used in research? Yes. The number of animals in most species groups used in research has decreased significantly in the past 25 years or so. UCSF has invested enormous resources to ensuring that animals receive the highest level of care. Over the last five years, UCSF has invested nearly $100 million to build and equip new facilities for the housing and care of animals. This includes a program dedicated to enriching the animals’ environment through the use of exercise, housing groups and interactions with people. 8. Where does UCSF get research animals? All USDA-covered species are purchased from USDA-licensed suppliers. Species that are not USDA-covered, such as rodents, are obtained from commercial suppliers or collaborating universities. In some cases, UCSF breeds its own animals, such as rodents and zebra fish. 9. What happens to animals after a research protocol has ended? Some of the animals are adopted out. Most are euthanized in order to study their tissues and determine conclusions to the research protocol. 10. How does UCSF view the efforts by some groups and individuals to stop animal research? Animal research is an emotional field, and there are philosophical differences between those who support it and those who oppose it. Unfortunately, some of the opposition groups spread inaccurate information about animal research programs and how these studies benefit the health of both humans and animals. UCSF respects freedom of opinion and disagreement as long as these viewpoints do not involve violence or harassment. |
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