Oversight

Research involving animals at the Caribbean Primate Research Center is subject to rigorous oversight by several federal agencies to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and ethical practices. The Caribbean Primate Research Center is dedicated to maintaining these rigorous standards, reflecting our commitment to ethical research practices and the welfare of the animals in our care. Our continuous accreditation and compliance with these oversight bodies underscore our role as a leader in the responsible conduct of primate research.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA enforces the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which sets federal standards for the use of animals in research. These standards apply universally across research facilities, including universities, private firms, and other institutions. The AWA mandates that APHIS conduct at least one unannounced compliance inspection annually at each registered research facility to ensure adherence to these standards.

Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)

OLAW administers the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy), derived from the Health Research Extension Act of 1985. Institutions receiving funding from Public Health Service entities, such as the NIH, CDC, and NASA, must have an Animal Welfare Assurance in place that details their animal care and use program. The PHS Policy insists on compliance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, setting a framework for ethical animal care and use in research.

AAALAC International

As a voluntary accrediting body, AAALAC International promotes the humane treatment of animals in research through comprehensive evaluation and accreditation programs. CPRC actively participates in these programs, undergoing rigorous triennial site visits that assess all aspects of the animal care and use program. Accreditation by AAALAC International is a mark of distinction, demonstrating an institution’s commitment to exceeding the standard requirements for animal care. CPRC letter of accreditation from AAALAC, International is available at this link 

Scientific Advisory Board

The Caribbean Primate Research Center benefits from the expertise of a Scientific Advisory Board, consisting of distinguished scientific leaders recognized for their contributions to various fields. This board critically supports the center by advising on key research directions and strategic development. Board members are selected by the center's director and can serve for multiple terms, ensuring both continuity and fresh perspectives in guiding the center’s scientific endeavors.

Internal Oversight: Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) 

The Caribbean Primate Research Center adheres to strict internal oversight through its Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Mandated by the Animal Welfare Act and Public Health Service, including the NIH, the IACUC ensures that all research involving live vertebrate animals meets rigorous ethical and legal standards. Comprising veterinarians, scientists, non-scientists, animal care staff, and community members unaffiliated with the institution, the IACUC reviews and monitors all animal research projects. It conducts semi-annual evaluations of facilities and full reviews of all proposed research to ensure procedures minimize animal pain or distress, justify the necessity of using animals, and confirm that the number of animals used is scientifically justified. Monthly meetings facilitate ongoing protocol reviews and compliance assurance. Further information about meeting dates and general details from the UPR Medical Sciences Campus IACUC can be found here