Committee Composition
The professional preparation of IACUC members includes expertise in a wide range of veterinary, medical, and basic science research areas, familiarity with applicable regulations and laws and with relevant standards of professional conduct and practice, and knowledge of specific animal species or classes of animals.
The following federal regulatory criteria apply to the composition of the committee:
- The IACUC must include least five members, including the following:
- A Chairperson
- At least one member is a veterinarian who, in addition to possessing training or experience in laboratory animal science and medicine, has direct or delegated program authority and responsibility for animal-related activities at the institution
- At least one member is a practicing scientist experienced in animal research and use
- At least one member has primary concerns in a nonscientific area
- At least one member is not affiliated with the institution other than serving on the IACUC
- An individual who qualifies to fill more than one of the specified categories may be appointed to do so, but the committee must still consist of at least 5 members
- No more than three voting member seats may be from a single administrative unit
In addition, the University of Minnesota IACUC includes:
- A larger number of members to provide a suitable breadth of expertise and capacity to cover a large program
- IACUC strives for a balance of men and women, with representation from minority populations
- Representation from faculty, staff, and students
- Ancillary reviewers from units such as the Department of Environmental Health & Safety, Biosafety & Occupational Health Department, and others provide input on protocol aspects such as hazardous chemicals, occupational health, and the use of specialized facilities
How Members are Appointed
In selecting new members, IACUC leadership works with department heads and other University officials to seek candidates for nomination with consideration for maintaining the diversity and specialty requirements of the IACUC. Members are formally appointed by the Institutional Official, under delegated authority from the University's President.
IACUC members are appointed for a three year term, with the potential for renewal subject to Chair/IO discretion. Members may be removed from the IACUC if they do not remain in good standing.
Member Responsibilities
Members are expected to attend full committee meetings, review protocols, and participate in inspections and program reviews. Details regarding these responsibilities and estimated time commitment can be found in the document IACUC Member Responsibilities.
Liability Coverage
With regard to potential legal action, IACUC members are covered under the University Legal Defense and Indemnification of Employees policy which provides coverage for those University of Minnesota faculty and staff serving the University and also covers any nonaffiliated member acting on behalf of the University.
Mitigating Conflict of Interest
No IACUC member participates (other than to provide requested information) in the review of any protocol or discussion item in which that member has a conflicting interest. This includes review of any material submitted over the course of the study or the duration of the member’s term.
If it is necessary for such a study to be reviewed when the conflicted member is in attendance, that member must recuse themselves from the deliberation, discussion, and vote on that study. Unless requested to remain in order to provide additional information, the member is removed from the meeting until after the vote is taken.
Conflict of interest management is documented in the meeting minutes.
Conflicting interest includes, but is not limited to, situations where the IACUC member:
- Is or will be an investigator in the research
- Has a financial or managerial interest in a sponsoring entity or product being evaluated in the research
- Has a close family relationship with an individual who is one of the investigators or who has a significant financial or managerial interest in a sponsoring entity or product being evaluated in the research
- Perceives themselves to have a personal conflict with the project which suggests potential bias