IACUC (Institutional Animal Care And Use Committee)

All research conducted at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) involving the use of animals must comply with established research ethics and procedures and must obtain prior approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Universiti Putra Malaysia.

UPM Policy on the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes

• It is the policy of UPM to ensure that all animals used in research, research training, teaching, and biological testing activities are properly cared for and handled in accordance with internationally accepted standards.
• All research, research training, teaching, and biological testing activities involving animals must receive prior approval from the IACUC before commencement.
• All personnel involved in animal-related activities must undergo adequate training, which must be verified and approved by the IACUC.

The primary responsibility of the IACUC is to ensure, on behalf of Universiti Putra Malaysia, that all aspects of animal care and use for scientific purposes are conducted in a humane, ethical, and compliant manner in accordance with established guidelines.

The IACUC is responsible for ensuring that the use of animals is justified and adheres to the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs). In addition, the IACUC shall:

1. Review and provide recommendations on all institutional plans and policies that may impact the welfare of animals used for scientific purposes;
2. Recommend necessary measures to ensure compliance with established guidelines;
3. Establish procedures for the appointment, reappointment, and retirement of committee members in accordance with university procedures in consultation with the IACUC;
4. Require all members to declare any conflicts of interest;
5. Manage and address conflict of interest situations appropriately;
6. Review and decide to approve, approve with modifications, or reject written proposals involving the use of animals for scientific purposes;
7. Approve only those projects where the use of animals is justified and essential, taking into account ethical considerations, potential impact on animals, and expected scientific or educational value;
8. Suspend or withdraw approval of any project when necessary;
9. Authorise emergency treatment or euthanasia of animals when required;
10. Maintain proper records of proposals and projects involving the use of animals;
11. Approve institutional guidelines on the care of animals bred, housed, and used for scientific purposes; and
12. Conduct inspections at least once annually of all university animal housing facilities, including satellite facilities.

For more information, please contact +603-9769 1431 or email iacuc@upm.edu.my

Updated:: 21/04/2026 [amira.rahim]