Introduction

Animal ethics promotes the responsible and humane use of animals in scientific research while safeguarding animal welfare and supporting the 3Rs principles: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement.

The Laboratory Animal Care Unit (LACU), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), supports ethical animal research in accordance with institutional requirements, animal welfare standards and UiTM CARE guidelines.

All researchers intending to conduct animal research at LACU must obtain approval from the UiTM Committee on Animal Research and Ethics (UiTM CARE) before commencing any animal experiments.

Animal Ethics Application Guidelines

Researchers are required to refer to the official UiTM CARE website for the current application documents and requirements:

Official UiTM CARE Website ↗

Required Application Documents

1. Checklist for Applicants: Refer to the checklist to ensure that all relevant requirements and supporting documents are fulfilled before submission.
2. UiTM CARE Application Form: Use the official UiTM CARE Application Form for animal ethics applications throughout the relevant vetting, review and presentation stages, including Department/DRP, LACU Committee, FRC and UiTM CARE, as applicable.
3. Supporting Documents: Provide the documents specified in the UiTM CARE checklist and relevant institutional requirements.

Animal Ethics Application Pathways

The initial application process differs for internal UiTM applicants and external researchers.

A. Internal Applicants (UiTM Staff and Students)

1. Departmental / DRP Vetting: The application must first be reviewed by the relevant Department or Defense Proposal (DRP) panel appointed by the Postgraduate (PG) Office.
2. Support Letter: Obtain a support letter from the Head of Department (HOD) or PG Office, as applicable.
3. Faculty Research Committee (FRC): Submit the completed UiTM CARE Application Form and supporting documents to FRC for review and presentation.
4. UiTM CARE: Applications endorsed by FRC will be forwarded to UiTM CARE for presentation, evaluation and final approval.

B. External Applicants (Non-UiTM Researchers)

External researchers intending to utilise LACU facilities must possess valid animal ethics approval from their respective home institutions.

1. Existing Animal Ethics Approval: Provide a copy of valid animal ethics approval from the home institution.
2. LACU Committee Assessment: Undergo vetting and assessment by the LACU Committee, comprising the LACU Coordinator and Associate Members. Assessment includes verification of existing ethics approval, suitability of procedures and alignment with animal welfare standards, LACU requirements and UiTM CARE guidelines.
3. FRC Endorsement: Applications endorsed by the LACU Committee will be forwarded to the Head of FRC for endorsement without the need for an FRC presentation.
4. UiTM CARE: Endorsed applications will subsequently be submitted through FRC to UiTM CARE for consideration and final approval.

The LACU Committee may reject unsuitable or non-compliant applications. Reasons for rejection must be documented.

Important Reminder

• All applicants must use the official UiTM CARE Application Form and refer to the latest Checklist for Applicants.
• Internal UiTM applicants must undergo Departmental/DRP vetting before submission to FRC.
• External applicants must undergo LACU Committee assessment and possess valid animal ethics approval from their home institutions.
• UiTM CARE remains the final approving authority for animal research activities conducted at LACU.
• Animal experiments may only commence after the necessary approvals have been obtained and all applicable institutional requirements have been fulfilled.

Animal Ethics Approval Flowchart

The following flowchart illustrates the animal ethics application and approval pathways for internal UiTM applicants and external researchers intending to conduct animal research at LACU.

The chart fits the page width. Use “View original flowchart” for a larger reference image.