Submit an IACUC Protocol Application

• Training, regulatory and animal
  • Online CITI Training
  • In-lab training, which refers to a description of the experience of the research staff included in the protocol with the species and techniques described. It is acceptable to write that a senior experienced lab member will train and supervise others.
  • Note: Personnel who are not affiliated with UC Santa Cruz may be exempted by confirmation by the PI of animal care and use training at the individual’s home institution.
• Safety for personnel
  • Occupational Health Surveillance System (OHSS) assessment/clearance
  • Completion of the BUA (Biological Use Authorization) with approval by the IBC (Institutional Biosafety Committee), as needed 
  • A field work safety plan, which EH&S manages, as needed
  • Note: Personnel who are not affiliated with UC Santa Cruz may be exempted by confirmation by the PI of occupational health and safety assessment training at the individual’s home institution.
• Engagement with the veterinarian
  • When surgery is part of the protocol.
  • When selecting animal housing area(s) not previously approved.
• Establishing the planned location of the animal work. Consult with:
  • The animal resources manager for Biomed vivarium studies.
  • Department heads for PI-managed spaces.
  • Local authorities for wildlife research work/permit requirements.

Full Use Biomedical Protocol Application Form(.docx) or FUB

• Completed for: typically traditional biomedical research that involves
  • any contact with any living vertebrate animal by any personnel, or 
  • any alteration of animal environment(s) during observational work.
• Species include: generally mice, rats, zebrafish, and small birds (e.g., canaries, zebra finches). 
• Locations include: the Biomed vivarium and PI-managed lab spaces.

Full Use Non-Biomedical Protocol Application Form(.docx) or FUNB

• Completed for: typically for non-biomedical research that involves
  1. any contact with any living vertebrate animal by any personnel, or 
  2. any alteration of animal environment(s) while engaged in non-biomedical research.
• Species include: generally marine mammals, marine fishes, and reptiles.  
• Locations include: work in the field (aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial), Coastal Science Campus, and in other PI-managed lab spaces.

Vertebrate Sample Use Protocol Application Form(.docx) or VSU

• Completed for: research with animal samples (tissues, scat, blood derivatives) involving no contact with any living vertebrates. 
• Species include: everything from mice to non-human primates to marine mammals. 
• Locations include: work in field settings.

Observational Protocol Application Form(.docx) or OBS

• Completed for: research that only involves the observation of animal subjects with no contact.
  • If the research involves the observation of vertebrates with “material alteration” of their environment or behavior, then the research is no longer considered “no contact” and a “full use” protocol is necessary. 
  • This form may also be used for observational studies that involve sample collection (e.g., discarded feathers, scat) which does not disturb animals.
• Species include: typically everything from wild birds to non-human primates to marine mammals. 
• Locations include: work in field environments and zoos.