Animal Care & Use

Using Animal Subjects in your Research

The Animal Research Protections Program at Indiana University is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of ethical conduct and humane care in the use of animals for research and education. Supporting the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) at both the Indianapolis and Bloomington campuses, the Animal Research Protections Office (ARPO) upholds rigorous compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Our mission is to foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and respect for animal welfare, facilitating groundbreaking research while safeguarding the well-being of animals. Through education, oversight, and collaboration, we strive to advance scientific discovery responsibly and ethically, ultimately contributing to significant benefits for both human and animal health and well-being.

All animal research, testing, or teaching activities at Indiana University must be thoroughly reviewed by an IACUC before work can begin.

IACUC committee reviews each new study or teaching activity to ensure humane animal care and use, including proper handling and veterinary care. The principal investigator is responsible for submitting a protocol application for review and approval, well in advance of any animal work. All personnel listed on the protocol also must enroll in  required animal care and use training and completed the Occupational Health and Safety Requirements. 

Requirements and procedures vary depending on where the research or teaching activity will take place.

Lab safety and animal-related injuries

If your research puts you in direct contact with animals, animal tissues, or animal by-products, you must know, understand, and follow the university’s animal care and use procedures. All lab personnel must be aware of the risks and hazards involved with handling animals, as well as what to do in case of a medical emergency.