On Wednesday and Thursday, August 29 & 30, 2007 in Spokane, Washington, the University of Idaho and the NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare will co-sponsor a two day program, IACUC 101 and IACUC 201 at the Doubletree Spokane City Center Hotel. .

IACUC 101: “The Basics” is a full day didactic and interactive training course for new as well as seasoned IACUC members, IACUC affiliates including IACUC administrators, trainers, veterinarians, animal care staff, researchers, regulatory personnel, individuals responsible for their institution’s animal care program and others interested in IACUC roles and responsibilities. The program is delivered by a top-notch faculty renowned for their expertise in institutional animal care and use issues and program development including representatives from both private and academic biomedical research institutions as well as the AAALAC, USDA and OLAW. The morning and early afternoon sessions will provide a basic yet comprehensive overview of the laws, regulations, and policies that govern the humane care and use of laboratory animals supplemented with examples and possible approaches for successful and effective administration. Current available resources to help IACUCs keep abreast of the latest information as well as take advantage of networking opportunities will also be covered. The materials and information provided during the course will be applied during the later afternoon session when students will be challenged to consider, deliberate and develop action plans for a variety of potential IACUC scenarios. Students receive an extensive resources manual as well as copies of relevant laws, regulations, policy and guides.

IACUC 201:  “The Process” is a highly interactive program that takes the fundamentals of IACUC 101 and applies them to the process and mechanisms of ensuring compliance.  The morning session is divided into 3 tracts based on an individual’s IACUC role, responsibility and interests.  Each tract focuses on the various possible approaches for conducting protocol review, program review and facility inspection within the requirements of the law, regulations and policy. Registrants reconvene for an open discussion on timely Hot Topics of the audience’s choice.  During the afternoon session, a mock IACUC consisting of IACUC 201 faculty convene to address one or more complex scenarios with multiple opportunities for audience questions. The program concludes with open questions and answers to representatives of OLAW, USDA and AAALAC, completion of program evaluations and distribution of attendance certificates.