Navigator Newsletter-February 2023

AAALAC is Coming!

The University of Washington’s animal program is accredited by AAALAC International, a non-profit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary program assessment.

To maintain accreditation, AAALAC will be conducting a mandatory site visit of our program this summer (June 26-30).

The visit will include inspections of our animal housing and use facilities, an in-depth review of our program’s policies and processes, and conversations with our research community (you!).

Keep an eye on this space and your email in the coming months for updates and tips on how to prepare for a successful visit.

New NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy

The NIH’s new Data Management & Sharing Policy (DMS Policy) has significant impacts for proposals submitted for due dates on or after January 25, 2023.

Under the new DMS Policy, NIH requires researchers to submit a Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMS Plan) outlining how scientific data and any accompanying metadata will be managed and shared. NIH expects that in drafting DMS Plans, researchers will maximize the appropriate sharing of scientific data.

For more information, visit the UW’s new NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy Requirements and Resources page.

In addition, NIH has helpful webpages that explain what research is covered under the DMS Policy, and how to write a DMS plan.

Finally, check out DMPTool – a free, open-source, online application that helps researchers create data management plans.

New Researchers and Required Training

Here’s how you can help your lab members navigate the confusing process of registering for the necessary animal research courses.

Did you know that researchers can only be registered for an Animal Facility Orientation after they have been approved to your IACUC protocol?!?

Please encourage your lab members to complete all their online prerequisite training and necessary in-person handling classes (if applicable) before submitting an amendment to add them to the protocol. Then they can register for a Facility Orientation and the process will be much easier for all!

Please let us know if you have any questions about this process and contact AUTS at auts@uw.edu.

Never Assume a Cage is Empty

Don’t be the one with animals found in the cage wash.

After you believe you have removed all animals from the cage, always double-check the cage before placing it in the dirty cage rack.
Mice often hide in the bedding, especially if they are pups. Make it a habit to check the cages every time by raking your gloved hand through the bedding and nestlet.

2022 Laboratory Safety Manual is Now Available

It’s time to review, bookmark, or print a copy of the updated LSM and make it available for all staff and students in your lab. Keeping your safety documents up to date and easily accessible are key for staying safe.

2022 UW Laboratory Safety Manual (LSM).