Collaborations can include research, teaching, testing, consulting, or related work occurring at SIUC or at another institution. When a collaboration involves animal activity, SIUC may need to establish a memorandum of understanding (MOU), in accordance with federal regulations and/or the funding agency. MOUs are contractual agreements that establish expectations and responsibilities of collaborating institutions for the humane care and use of vertebrate animals for research, teaching, and/or testing. MOUs can be required regardless of funding status.
In some cases, an interinstitutional assurance (IIA) may be required for collaborations involving institutions without a PHS Assurance. These are institutions that do not have their own animal care and use programs, facilities to house animals, IACUCs, and do not conduct animal research on-site. If you would like to collaborate with a non-assured institution, please contact the IACUC/ORC.
Collaborations can offer significant benefits for scientific discovery. However, there are a number of components to be considered prior to establishing a collaboration when research involves animal activity. When planning to collaborate, be sure to work closely with the IACUC, Office of Research Compliance (ORC), and the Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (OSPA) to ensure that all requirements are met.
