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

For decades, laboratory animals have been essential to almost every major advancement in human and animal medicine. The University of Michigan (U-M) community is committed to the highest standards of excellent and humane care in the use of these animals in our research and instruction, 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 the entire U-M 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,
 
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

Our Impact

Senior adult woman receives treatment in clinic from healthcare worker

New Dual-Target Drug May Help Overcome Immunotherapy Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer

The drug, SH-273, led to long-term tumor reduction in mouse models. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the deadliest cancer types, with a five-year survival rate of 13%. There are only two treatment regimens available with limited efficacy. Pancreatic cancers do not respond to immunotherapy where the body’s immune system attacks tumor cells. The effectiveness …
Doctor checking blood sugar level with glucometer

New Hope for Early Diabetes Detection

Researchers use mouse models to pioneer a game-changing approach for predicting type 1 diabetes. In a significant step toward the goal of preventing autoimmune type 1 diabetes, a team led by U-M’s Lonnie Shea, Steven A. Goldstein Collegiate Professor, Biomedical Engineering, has developed a new system that can identify—well before symptoms appear—whether an individual is …
Brown laboratory mouse in nesting material

Gut Hormone FGF15 Changes How Mice Respond to Weight Loss

Weight loss drugs and diet influence amount of lean mass during rapid weight loss. Nearly 40% of the population in the United States develop obesity, which is linked to the development of several diseases, including type 2 diabetes and metabolic liver disease. The rise in obesity is, in part, caused by high-calorie diets and sedentary …
Read more impact 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 [email protected].

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

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