A Glimpse Into the Future: New IACUC Protocol Application Form

We are excited to announce that the Animal Care & Use Office (ACUO) will begin implementing a new Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) protocol application and submission form – commonly referred to as “V2” – in eRAM early next year.

The ACUO has spent the past two years diligently evaluating and fine-tuning the document with the primary goal of minimizing the time and effort required of researchers to complete the form.

Examples of key changes that researchers can expect include:

• The number of open entry text boxes has been minimized
• Much of the form will now be populated using picklists and checkboxes, which will eliminate the need to enter duplicative, and possibly conflicting, information across different protocol sections
• Default text and pre-populated fields will include programmatic recommendations for common procedures (e.g., aseptic procedure)
• Increased flexibility to request research-specific plans and dosages (e.g., requesting a “maximum” number of injections instead of having to select specific values)

The release of the new protocol form will occur in stages throughout 2023, starting with a small pilot group early in the year.

Want to Learn More?

If you are interested in participating or would like to learn more about the V2 project, please contact the Animal Care & Use Office at acuoffice@umich.edu or (734) 763-8028.