Getting Started
Getting Started
Investigators and research staff new to working with animals at UIC must complete several requirements before beginning animal research or obtaining access to animal facilities. Requirements may include Animal Care Committee (ACC) training, enrollment on an active ACC protocol, occupational health clearance, facility orientation, and animal facility access. The sections below outline these requirements for new investigators and research personnel. Investigators are encouraged to contact BRL veterinary or training staff with any questions regarding training and animal facility access.
Getting Started
New Project or New Investigator
Starting a new project that involves the use of animals in research requires the following:
- Approval of a UIC Protocol for Animal Use. Information on the protocol approval process can be found on the Animal Care Committee website
- Establishment of a BRL billing account
- A facility orientation is required in order for staff to obtain access to an animal facility.
Animal Care Committee (ACC) Training
All Principal investigators and personnel using animals on ACC protocols and/or funded grants supporting animal research are required to complete the ACC training module entitled “Animals and Research at UIC”. All investigators and personnel using mice and/or rats are also required to complete the ACC training module entitled “Working with Mice and Rats at UIC”. The training completion date for both modules must be within the last three years for both a new protocol submission and a triennial protocol submission.
Animal Facility Access
Access to Animal Facilities requires the following:
- A university identification card for electronic access to the facility.
- To be listed on an approved Protocol for Animal Use.
- A facility orientation is required in order for staff to obtain access to an animal facility. A facility orientation can be scheduled with a member of the BRL Training and Compliance Staff or the veterinarian responsible for the animal facility and/or animal species that will be used to support the respective research project. Orientation sessions for research staff are required at least every five years to maintain facility access.
- Health assessment with University Health Service for enrollment in the UIC Occupational Health Program for Individuals with Animal Contact.
- This involves completion of the UIC Occupational Health Program for Individuals with Animal Contact form. This form is provided at the facility orientation session and is signed by the facility veterinarian. The form is then taken to the University Health Service health assessment appointment and is signed by the University Health Service healthcare professional. Once completed, the form should be submitted to the BRL Business Office, located at 1840 W Taylor St. For any questions or concerns, please contact brlbsnsoffc@uic.edu.