What You Should Know about Animal Research and the IACUC at UT Southwestern

What is an IACUC?

An Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is a committee of scientists, veterinarians, non-scientists, and community members who serve to oversee the welfare and humane treatment of animal research subjects in accordance with PHS policy and the Animal Welfare Act.

All research projects conducted by faculty, students or employees of UT Southwestern Medical Center which involve live vertebrate animals require prior review and approval by the IACUC.

Who may serve as a Principal Investigator (PI)?

Only UT Southwestern Medical Center faculty members may serve as PI on animal research protocols.

What kind of training is required?

All PIs, students, and staff who are listed as participants in an animal research protocol are required to complete a minimum of the Humane Animal Care and Use Class, the Pathogen Control Class, and enrollment in the Worker Protection Program. For more information on training requirements, contact the IACUC office at 214-645-6423.

Contact Information

IACUC staff members are available to assist you with your animal care and use concerns. You may contact the following people if you have questions.

IACUC Office 214-645-6423

Stacy Pritt, D.V.M., M.S., M.B.A.
Certified Professional IACUC Administrator
Director, IACUC
Oversees IACUC office functions and regulatory compliance
stacy.pritt@utsouthwestern.edu 

Diana Hopkins
Senior Administrative Assistant, Personnel Training
Provides information regarding personnel training status and schedules IACUC training for new personnel.
diana.hopkins@utsouthwestern.edu

Patricia Coats
Administrative Associate, Protocol Submissions
Provides information regarding protocol submission deadlines, approval status, and renewal dates; accepts protocol submissions and maintains protocol records.
patricia.coats@utsouthwestern.edu

Anne Reuter, Ph.D.
Assurance Coordinator, Facility Inspections and Compliance
Provides information regarding IACUC assessment visits to laboratories and animal housing facilities; can be contacted regarding animal care concerns or compliance questions; provides information regarding Federal or institutional regulations or policies.
anne.reuter@utsouthwestern.edu

Rachel Varghese, RLAT
Assurance Coordinator, Facility Inspections and Compliance
Provides information regarding IACUC assessment visits to laboratories and animal housing facilities; can be contacted regarding animal care concerns or compliance questions; provides information regarding Federal or institutional regulations or policies.
rachel.varghese@utsouthwestern.edu