The IACUC is a standing committee at The Pennsylvania State University that oversees and evaluates all aspects of the University's animal care and use program. The Committee’s composition and responsibilities regarding animal research are mandated by the Animal Welfare Act (Public Law 99-198). For consistency and transparency, the IACUC follows specific policies, guidelines, & SOPs when making determinations about animal research. Researchers at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine should access information about their IACUC on the Infonet. This website is for the IACUC that serves University Park and all Commonwealth campuses except Hershey. 

AAALACi

Penn State has been AAALACi accredited since February 13, 2001. This is a voluntary accreditation that demonstrates commitment to excellence to animal care and use programs. The accreditation process involves triennial site visits. Penn State agricultural programs are also AAALACi accredited. See AAALACi’s website for more information about the accreditation process. Read about the AAALACi 2021 site visit.

Committee Composition

By federal law, the IACUC must be composed of, at a minimum, five members with the following qualifications:

1. An IACUC Chairperson
2. A doctor of veterinary medicine
3. An individual not affiliated with the institution, representing the community
4. A practicing scientist experienced in animal research
5. A member whose primary concerns are nonscientific.

If you are interested in serving on Penn State University's IACUC, please contact the Office for Research Protections at ORP-IACUC@psu.edu.