University of Nevada, Reno Secures Prestigious AAALAC International Accreditation: What It Means for Students and Research

The University of Nevada, Reno has just achieved full reaccreditation from AAALAC International, a significant recognition for its commitment to excellent animal care and use. This accreditation reflects the hard work of faculty, staff, the Animal Resources team, and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). They’ve worked together as a close-knit group, showing respect and teamwork at all levels.

Ben Weigler, the senior director for Animal Resources, expressed gratitude for the time and effort everyone put into this successful site visit in October.

The Animal Resources team, made up of veterinarians and certified professionals, provides comprehensive animal care and veterinary services across the university. They ensure regulatory compliance and offer training for faculty and staff who work with animals. Their work also includes guest lectures and educational opportunities for students.

Mridul Gautam, the vice president for research and innovation, emphasized the university’s dedication to ethical research practices. He noted that this reaccreditation confirms the university’s high standards in animal care while fostering scientific advancements.

The University first received AAALAC accreditation in 2007. AAALAC International is a nonprofit organization that promotes humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary programs. This accreditation process complements strict oversight from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, which are vital in ensuring animals used in research meet high ethical standards.

Brad Ferguson, an associate professor and the current chair of the IACUC, highlighted the importance of teamwork in maintaining high standards in animal research. He pointed out the IACUC’s role in ensuring faculty and staff are aware of the significance of humane treatment in research.

Beyond just compliance, the Animal Resources team collaborates with faculty to improve services and expand support for animal studies. Over the past ten years, their role has transitioned from simply providing services to becoming essential collaborators in research.

Looking ahead, the university will celebrate Biomedical Research Awareness Day (BRAD) on April 17, 2025. This event aims to engage the public in discussions about animal research’s vital role in scientific progress, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to ethical treatment. Visitors can enjoy snacks, games, and educational materials while learning about the crucial contributions of animal research.

This reaccreditation reflects a broader trend in the research community emphasizing ethical standards and animal welfare. Recent surveys show that public support for ethical animal research is critical for advancing medical breakthroughs, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between scientific research and societal values.

For more insights into animal welfare in research, the AAALAC International website offers valuable resources and information on best practices in animal care.

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