The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is charged with reviewing all proposed use of vertebrate animals, regardless of where the work is performed and source of funding, if any. The IACUC has the responsibility and authority to review, approve, disapprove, or require changes in research activities involving vertebrate animals.  This committee regularly inspects and monitors the animal care and use facilities and program at the Institute to ensure that all components are in compliance with regulations outlined in the federal Animal Welfare Act, the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and with the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.  

The animal facilities are registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and undergo frequent, unannounced inspections by that agency.  Georgia Tech’s Animal Welfare Assurance is approved by the Department of Health and Human Services. Committee membership is structured in accordance with federal requirements; members are appointed by the Vice President for Research, who also serves as the Institutional Official for matters related to vertebrate animal subjects.   

The IACUC has set forth procedures for reporting, without fear of reprisal, concerns about the humane use and treatment of vertebrate animals used in research and teaching activities at Georgia Tech.   The IACUC meets monthly to review research protocols which propose the use of vertebrate animal subjects; committee approval must be obtained prior to initiation of proposed activities.