ANIMAL STUDY REVIEW

All animal projects must first undergo review by an animal care and use committee (ACUC). These committees consist of scientists, veterinarians, nonscientists and laypeople who are not affiliated with the institution. ACUCs have the final say in the determination of the suitability of the use of animals for instructional and research projects.  No animal study can begin or continue without the approval of an ACUC. 

Contact the GRMERC Research Department for more information about research opportunities using animal models.

West Michigan Regional Laboratory (WMRL)

WMRL is designed to administer the highest quality care for animals used in teaching and research projects.  Housing is available for a wide variety of species, from mice to sheep.  Two fully equipped surgical suites are on-site, with technical staff available to assist.  All animal studies performed at WMRL must have approval from the WMRL ACUC.

Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) Vivarium and Transgenics Laboratory
The goal of the vivarium and the transgenics laboratory is to develop, provide and support high-quality mouse modeling services for the VARI investigators, Michigan Technology Tri-Corridor collaborators and the greater research community.  Services provided by the vivarium technical staff include an extensive xenograft model development and analysis service, rederivation, surgery, dissection, necropsy, breeding and health-status monitoring.  All animal studies performed at VARI must have approval from the VARI ACUC.