What is required in a protocol submitted to the IACUC?

A protocol submitted to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) must include a clear hypothesis-driven thought process and thorough planning because this is essential for evaluating the scientific justification for the research involving animals. The IACUC is responsible for ensuring that the proposed use of animals is humane, necessary, and justified. A well-defined hypothesis informs the committee about the objectives of the research and how the study will contribute to scientific knowledge. It also allows reviewers to understand the rationale behind the proposed experiments, ensuring that the use of animals is appropriately considered against the potential benefits of the research.

While other elements such as a summary of animal welfare legislation, history of previous studies, and funding sources may be relevant in different contexts, they are not the core requirements for helping the IACUC assess the ethical and scientific merits of the proposed research. The focus remains on the hypothesis and planning to ensure that animal use is both justified and aligned with ethical standards.