Protocol Review

IACUC Protocol Review Process

1. The IACUC protocol review process begins with a protocol submission via the Research Administration Portal (RAP).
2. Initial screening (pre-review) is performed by the IACUC staff and AWS. This first review ensures that proposed housing, source of animals, drugs and dosages, and animal use procedures meet NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals standards and comply with federal regulations and campus guidelines and policies.
   1. The IACUC will contact the applicant if clarifications or revisions are necessary.
3. After pre-review, the protocol is processed via administrative, Veterinary Verification Consultation (VVC), or IACUC review.
   1. If the protocol goes administrative review, the next step is post review, then final approval.
   2. If the protocol goes VVC, the next step is post review, then final approval.
   3. If the protocol goes IACUC review, it then enters grace period.
      1. The original or revised protocol is distributed to all IACUC members for review.
      2. The protocol may be assigned to designated or full committee review.
         1. The designated reviewer may approve or require modifications.
         2. The full committee may approve, require modifications, or withhold approval.
      3. After the grace period and review, the protocol enters post review, then final approval.

Protocol Submission Timeline

It is recommended that protocols be submitted at least 90 days before the use of animals is to begin. This lead time is required because protocols frequently require revisions before they can be submitted to the full IACUC for review. Please contact the IACUC Office for protocol submission deadlines and visit the IACUC meeting schedule webpage.

IACUC Research Administration Portal (RAP)

How long should a typical IACUC review process at UO take?

Every protocol can have unique properties that impact the time to review and approve, so these estimated timelines will vary. Typically, it can take:

• Administrative Change: 3 business days
• Veterinary Verification Consultation: 1 week
• Designated Member Review: 2 weeks
• New Protocol Application: 1 month
• Triennial Review: 1-2 months

There may be delays in December and January due to University holidays. There is not typically a delay over the summer months as our offices continue to operate. 

There is no special process for an “expedited” review. However, if you have circumstances warranting extraordinary and immediate review, such as a Just-in-Time submission, please contact the IACUC Office.

What is the Role of Scientific Merit in UO's IACUC Review?

Some consideration of scientific merit is necessarily a part of the IACUC’s oversight function.

The IACUC is responsible for oversight and evaluation of the university’s animal welfare program. The IACUC is required by regulation and related guidance to consider the rationale for the use of animals, whether the species and numbers of animals is appropriate, whether alternative procedures are available and appropriate, the non-duplicative nature of the research, and whether any pain and discomfort is limited “to that which is unavoidable for the conduct of scientifically valuable research.”¹ The IACUC regulations cited for these rules are available online.

More information can be found in NIH’s FAQs, including a question at D.12 on “To what extent, if any, is the IACUC responsible for assessing the scientific merit of proposals it reviews?” These FAQs are available online.

^{[1] 9 C.F.R. 2.31(e).}