UCSF is very pleased to report that the UCSF animal research program has been independently evaluated by AAALAC International and found to be truly outstanding in all respects.

A six-person team conducted a four-day site visit of UCSF’s animal care and use program, thoroughly examining UCSF campus animal facilities and research protocols. This included meetings with lab members, animal care staff, management, safety professionals, and many others supporting animal research. The AAALAC team was very impressed with everyone’s knowledge and obvious dedication to ensure the utmost in animal welfare and laboratory safety practices.

The site visit team reported that they are recommending continued FULL AAALAC ACCREDITATION to the AAALAC home office. UCSF will receive the official letter in early 2022.

What a great outcome! The AAALAC site visitors listed many commendations for public acknowledgement, including:

Commendations:

• Well-written and very thorough Program Description;

• Outstanding institutional support for the animal research program, as demonstrated by well-maintained, older facilities, the addition of new facilities, the consistency of the program across geographically-decentralized facilities, and the engagement of the IO in the program;

• The plan to convert housing at Hunter’s Point to individually ventilated caging;

• Very knowledgeable and engaged IACUC;

• The generally comprehensive EH&S/OHS program for animal users that accurately tracked use of hazardous materials in animals;

• Healthy, well-adjusted animals;

• Generally excellent enrichment program;

• Dedicated and knowledgeable veterinarians, veterinary care staff, and animal care staff;

• Dedicated facilities personnel who are actively engaged in forwarding the program;

• The staff recognition program and support for and monetary compensation after certification;

• Excellent animal health records, including records for rodent surgery and analgesic use;

• Comprehensive training program;

• Computer program for tracking animal health cases;

• Excellent cage signage in all facilities.

UCSF extends deep gratitude to all of the research personnel, EH&S, Occupational Health, Facilities Services, LARC, and IACUP staff, and our IACUC Committee members for your contributions to this collective success.

The site visitors’ recommendation of continuing full accreditation is a clear measure of UCSF’s unwavering commitment to research excellence, animal welfare, and laboratory safety.