Research Guidelines March 9, 2018
Using Animals for Research at IISD-ELA
IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) recognizes and supports the essential need for responsible animal research. The use of animals in research is a privilege. IISD-ELA requires researchers to practice “The Three Rs” of animal use (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), and to use non-lethal sampling methods whenever possible. Invertebrate organisms other than crayfish do not require permits.
If you wish to use the IISD-ELA facility to conduct research on vertebrate animals or crayfish (in the field or laboratory), you must:
STEP 1
Contact IISD-ELA researchers to discuss the proposed project, including species, target lakes, and methodologies. Please endeavour to provide as much notice as possible, at least nine months prior to the commencement of research (to provide time for Research Advisory Board application, described in Step 2).
- Vince Palace, Head Research Scientist
- Michael Rennie, Research Associate
- Lee Hrenchuk, Senior Biologist
- Lauren Hayhurst, Fisheries Research Biologist
STEP 2
Your project may require approval by the IISD-ELA Research Advisory Board (RAB). Proposals should be submitted to the RAB at least nine months in advance of the commencement of research. Please contact Vince Palace to discuss your project and application requirements as soon as possible.
STEP 3
Provide IISD-ELA with an Animal Use Protocol (AUP) that describes the research in detail and has been reviewed and approved by the Animal Care Committee at your home institution. Approved AUPs must be submitted at least one month prior to commencement of research at the IISD-ELA facility to Lee Hrenchuk. AUPs are not required for research involving crayfish.
All individuals who will handle animals as part of your project must be named on your AUP(s). Individuals who are not named on the AUP(s) may not handle animals.
STEP 4
Submit approved collection permits/licences for the target organisms at least one month prior to commencement of research at the IISD-ELA facility to Lee Hrenchuk.
All individuals who will handle animals as part of your project must be named on your licence(s). Individuals who are not names on the licence(s) may not handle animals.
FISH OR CRAYFISH
- Complete the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s (OMNRF) Fish Research Licence application form.
- Submit completed form and any supporting documentation to Lee Hrenchuk for pre-approval by IISD-ELA (at least three months prior to commencement of research).
- Lee will provide a letter of support for your project after the application has been approved by the IISD-ELA research team (within two weeks of submission to IISD-ELA). OMNRF will only consider applications that are accompanied by this letter of support.
- Submit application and letter of support to Karissa Jackson at Karissa.Jackson@ontario.ca or 807-220-5422 (processing will take three to six weeks).
- Submit approved licence to Lee Hrenchuk at least one month prior to commencement of research at IISD-ELA.
OTHER ANIMALS
An OMNRF Wildlife Scientific Collector’s Authorization will be required for all other vertebrate species. Please contact Karissa Jackson at Karissa.Jackson@ontario.ca or 807-220-5422 to discuss your project needs.
