Penn State Intercom......July 26, 2001

University animal research
program accredited

The animal research program at University Park was recently awarded full accreditation by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International.

The association is a private nonprofit organization that promotes the responsible treatment of animals in science through a voluntary accreditation program. More than 630 institutions around the world show their commitment to responsible animal care and use by earning and maintaining that accreditation.

Candice Yekel, director of the University's Office for Regulatory Compliance, said, "Accreditation is a symbol of quality, and assurance that when animals are used to advance medicine and scientific progress, their well-being is protected."

To earn accreditation, a research program undergoes a rigorous evaluation by a visiting team. The team visited the University during the summer of 2000 and examined all agricultural and other research animal facilities. The visiting team members, who had collectively participated in several hundred site visits, commented that Penn State had a carefully organized, committed and well-cared-for site. They commended the Office for Regulatory Compliance operations, the University's physical plant, veterinary care, animal husbandry practices and institutional support.

Eva J. Pell, vice president for research and dean of the graduate school, said that full accreditation status from the association will give the University an independent assessment that will considerably strengthen its educational programs and ability to compete for sponsored research.

She added that the highest quality care for animals used in research is essential in order to produce results that will advance agricultural, scientific and medical progress. At the University, animals are only used when the research has the potential to make life better. Examples include Penn State's research on poultry, dairy and other animal food sources and on human diseases including cancer, irritable bowel syndrome and diabetes.

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