Our Mission

The Animal Care & Use Program supports the University of Michigan community in its pursuit of impactful science to benefit both human and animal health by fostering a culture of excellence and compassion, responsible research conduct, and a shared commitment to upholding the highest animal welfare standards in all aspects of research and instruction.

A Message from Our Leadership

Male and female scientist in laboratory performing biopsy

For decades, laboratory animals have been essential to almost every major advance in human and animal medicine. The University of Michigan community is committed to the highest standards of excellent and humane care in the use of these animals in its research, and we believe that this commitment is central to the rigor and impact of our work.

Our approach goes beyond strict adherence to all required guidelines. In addition, we embrace the principles known as “the three Rs”: reducing the number of animals used to the minimum required for the study, replacing animals with less sentient or non-animal models whenever possible, and refining all practices to provide the best animal welfare possible.

Our Program comprises three units that support our campus-wide research community and ensure our collective commitment to the welfare of all animals under our care:

Through projects and training activities that span a wide variety of fields, including medicine, dentistry, natural resources and the environment, engineering, public health, and kinesiology, scientific and medical knowledge developed through animal research has saved countless lives and improved health outcomes for both humans and animals.

Some examples of life-changing research projects and teaching programs at the University of Michigan are highlighted in the stories below. 

Regards,

Rebecca Cunningham, MD
Institutional Official
Vice President for Research and Innovation
William G. Barsan Collegiate Professor of Emergency Medicine
 
William King, DVM, PhD, DACLAM
Associate Vice President for Research – Animal Care and Use Program
Attending Veterinarian
Executive Director, Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine
Clinical Professor of Laboratory Animal Medicine

William Greer, BS, CPIA, LAT, CM
Assistant Vice President for Research – Animal Program Compliance Oversight
Director, Animal Care & Use Office

Daniel D. Myers, DVM, MPH, DACLAM
Professor of Surgery
Chair, Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee
 

Illustration of green background with intestines in pink
Tuesday, January 16, 2024Researchers Identify Why Cancer Immunotherapy Can Cause Colitis
Studies in mice reveal the mechanism that induces this severe side effect and point to a solution that kills the cancer without causing gastrointestinal issues.
Animal technician holds white mouse in environmental enrichment tunnel
Thursday, December 21, 2023Could Ginger Help Treat Autoimmune Disease Symptoms?
After ginger root was proven to halt autoimmune disease progression in mice, researchers are now trialing the same concept in humans.
black stones looking like split between whiter edges
Friday, December 8, 2023Obesity Leads to a Complex Inflammatory Response Inside Fat Tissue
New single-cell study uncovers diverse immune cells in obese mice.

Double blue arrows pointing to the rightRead more stories

Questions?

As a public institution and an accredited site for animal use, we are open to inquiries, reports of concern, or other communications from within and beyond the U-M. Questions about the care and use of laboratory animals at the University of Michigan should be directed to the Animal Care & Use Office at acuoffice@umich.edu.

If you are a member of the media, or have a media inquiry, please email acu-media@umich.edu or call the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication at (734) 764-2220 and your question will be routed to the appropriate media team member.