Animal Research Concerns
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What are animal research concerns?
All animals involved in research at Northwestern must be handled, housed, treated, cared for and transported in a humane and ethical manner in accordance with laws, regulations, and university policies. Perceived mistreatment or noncompliance involving animals in research should be reported so the IACUC can investigate the matter.
How to report animal research concerns
There are multiple reporting options, and you may choose to report in more than one way. The different reporting options can be reviewed below.
Please note: Animal health emergencies should be immediately reported to a veterinarian. Please see the section on Animal Health (Veterinary) Emergencies.Report to the IACUC Office
Use for: Urgent concerns regarding the perceived mistreatment or non-compliance of animals in research requires immediate attention.
Confidentiality: The IACUC Chair, Attending Veterinarian, and IACUC Office will keep your information as private as possible, but confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. No threat or reprisal will be made against anyone reporting perceived mistreatment or non-compliance.
How to report:
- Confidential Reporting Line: 847-467-ACUC (2282)
- IACUC Chair: Dr. CJ Heckman 312-503-2164
- CCM Attending Veterinarian: Dr. Lisa Forman 312-908-6429
- IACUC Office Senior Director: Mandy Kozlowski 312-503-010
Report through EthicsPoint
Use for: For non-urgent concerns regarding the humane/ethical treatment of animals a reporter can use EthicsPoint which allows for anonymous reporting options.
Confidentiality: While EthicsPoint retains anonymity of the reporter, it limits the IACUC’s ability to fully investigate reports of perceived mistreatment or noncompliance involving animals in research and to address urgent animal health and welfare concerns.
How to report: File an EthicsPoint Report
Animal Health Emergencies
All animal health emergencies require immediate veterinary attention.
Do not use other reporting mechanisms to file reports of animal health emergencies. The Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) Veterinarians will keep your information as private as possible, but confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
Contact a Veterinarian
Call the Veterinarians at Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM):
- Monday–Friday, 8am–4:30pm: 312-908-8259
- After hours and on weekends: CCM Answering Service Call 312-908-8257
For More Information
Please visit:
Support and Resources
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
The IACUC reviews and approves protocols for Northwestern’s program for the humane care and use of animals, inspects the animal facilities and investigator laboratories, and reports its findings.