Research Enterprise Newsletter - May 2009: Animal Care & Use News
Mandatory USDA Training Begins in May
In an effort to ensure that Vanderbilt University maintains the highest standards of animal care, while pursuing critically important medical research, all Principal Investigators and lab personnel working with USDA-regulated species must attend a one-hour training course on Ethics and Regulation in Animal Research Training. This mandatory course will be offered beginning May 11th and will be held at different times through June 26, 2009 to accommodate all research personnel. To sign up for a session, go to https://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/gcm/rate/. Courses will be offered on a first come-first served basis, with each class closing once attendance reaches 25. Registration is now open. For more information, contact OAWA Training Coordinator Tammy Jessen at 343-5338.
Revised IACUC Web Site Unveiled
The Office of Animal Welfare Assurance (OAWA) has unveiled a newly revised web site for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Program. Located at www4.vanderbilt.edu/oor/iacuc, the new site offers easy to navigate category links and a permanent News You Can Use column on the home page, spotlighting newly adopted SOPs, training opportunities and other research news.
IACUC resources are categorized by General Information, Animal Welfare Concerns, eSirius, Policies, SOPs and Forms, Procedural Forms, and Training. Industry links are also provided, as is an OAWA Contact Us link, complete with photos, email links and phone numbers. The Training section provides a wealth of information on required and recommended training courses and resources, as well as the opportunity to schedule one-on-one and group training with Training Coordinator Tammy Jessen.
Another new feature provides answers to "Frequently Asked Questions," such as How do I submit an annual renewal in eSirius? How long does it take to get a protocol approval? And How do I get facility access? Principal Investigators have their own link with information on orientation, adding new lab members and exiting procedures in the Principal Investigator tab under General Information.
"Our goal in this revision was to provide Research faculty and staff with immediate access to the resources they need as they work on vitally important medical research and discovery," said OAWA Director Sylvia Director. "We look forward to your feedback."
