Stanford RCO - Administrative Panel on Laboratory Animal Care (APLAC)

Why are animals used at Stanford?
Animal studies play a vital role in advancing science and finding new and improved ways of fighting serious diseases. Stanford University is committed to the responsible care and use of animals in research. Stanford complies with all federal and state regulations governing the humane care and use of laboratory animals, including the USDA Animal Welfare Act, and our Assurance of Compliance with PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The laboratory animal care program at Stanford is accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC International). We have made animal welfare a top priority in all of our research efforts.

Who oversees animal use at Stanford?
According to U.S. federal law, institutions that use laboratory animals for research or instructional purposes must establish an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to oversee and evaluate all aspects of the institution’s animal care and use program. At Stanford, the IACUC is appointed by the University Vice Provost and Dean of Research, and is known as the Administrative Panel on Laboratory Animal Care (APLAC). Stanford’s APLAC membership is comprised of faculty, veterinarians, public members, students, and senior staff. The APLAC reports to the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research. The laboratory animal care program at Stanford is accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care.

How do I submit an animal use protocol?
All research and teaching activities involving live or dead vertebrate animal use must be reviewed and approved by the APLAC prior to commencement of the activity. In order to obtain approval for your activities, you’ll need to complete and submit an electronic protocol application form, detailing your intended use of animals. In general, protocol applications received by the first of the month will be reviewed at the APLAC meeting that month. Please see the Panel Meeting Dates & Deadlines for a complete list of protocol submission deadlines and APLAC meeting dates.

Resolution of Animal Welfare Concerns
Any individual who has concerns related to the care and use of animals at Stanford University may contact the Veterinary Service Center (VSC) at (650) 723-3876 or the IACUC Compliance Manager at (650) 725-9834. Such reports may be made confidentially, and even anonymously, although the more information given, the easier it is to investigate the reports. Raising such concerns is a service to the University and does not in itself jeopardize employment. Stanford University and Animal Welfare Regulations (9 CFR § 2.32.c.4) prohibit retaliation of any kind against a person who, acting in good faith, reports a concern or a suspected violation of animal care and use regulations or standards. For further information, go to the Animal Welfare Concerns page.