Responsibilities: Investigator
The integrity of the investigator is the most valued part of responsible animal use. All investigators using animals in teaching, research or extension service are responsible to ensure that their staff (both professional and technical) and any students under their supervision know how to handle and properly care for the species being used. Staff must also know how to perform the techniques being used. The IACP staff should be consulted if there are questions. IACP provides generalized training and will assist with specialized training as requested.
The research investigator or instructor is responsible to design experiments or activities involving animals to assure compliance with the UNL Assurance Document and the Guides. Investigators should try, whenever possible, to minimize the number of animals used, refine techniques to minimize pain or suffering, and replace animals with alternative or adjunctive methods if available. Unnecessary replication of studies will be avoided by using proper literature reviews. These are required to be documented in the Application to Use Animals Form.
In procedures involving unavoidable pain or distress, the investigator must justify the procedure in accordance with current federal regulations and the policies of the IACUC. All projects should be discussed with the attending veterinarian during the planning stages.
