As part of the regulatory documents, the US Government developed guiding principles for the utilization of vertebrate animals in research.  The expectation is “Whenever U.S. Government agencies develop requirements for testing, research, or training procedures involving the use of vertebrate animals, the principles shall be considered; and whenever these agencies actually perform or sponsor such procedures, the responsible Institutional Official shall ensure that these principles are adhered to.”  A primary goal of the US Government principles is to mitigate any welfare risks associated with the animal activities that are reviewed and approved by IACUCs.   

During this webinar, Ron Banks will discuss qualitative and quantitative processes for assessing animal welfare.  Following Ron’s presentation (and during is OK too), collectively attendees will discuss the topic by, for example, posing questions to the speaker and other attendees, offering “other” effective ideas, and ultimately identify ideas for assessing animal welfare.          

Meeting Co-Facilitators

Bill Greer, BS:  received his Bachelor’s in Microbiology from Penn State University in 1985.  He currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Research at the University of Michigan.  His previous roles included Associate Director for Research Compliance at the Pennsylvania State University, and research technician, production manager and Safety Officer at Intervet, State College, PA (Formally Tri Bio Laboratories).  In 2005, he organized and held the first IACUC Administrators’ Best Practices Meeting, which establish a venue for administrators meet informally and discuss programmatic concerns.  He continues to facilitate at least three annual Best Practice meetings.  In 2007, he initiated the process of establishing the IACUC Administrators Association (IAA), which is a professional organization of IACUC Administrators.  In 2010, he chaired the founding committee for the non-profit education based IAA organization.  He now serves as the president and chair of the IAA board of directors.  Since 2007, Bill has served as ad hoc specialist to AAALAC Council where he participates in institutional program reviews, assessments, and status determinations.  He served as a member of the Council of Certified Professional IACUC Administrators (CCPIA).  He continues to facilitate training activities at multiple venues including PRIM&R, AALAS, BTAA, C3, and both IACUC and IBC Administrators Best Practice Meetings.

Ron E. Banks, DVM:  received his veterinary degree from Auburn University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, and retired a Colonel from the United States Army Veterinary Corps.  After postings as the Director, Center for Comparative Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; and Director, Office of Animal Welfare Assurance at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; he currently serves as the Director, Division of Comparative Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  Along his professional journey he has contributed as Council Member on AAALAC’s Council on Accreditation; Chairman of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee; Board Member for the IACUC Administrator’s Association; and Fellow of the National Academies of Practice.  Dr. Banks is board certified with the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine; the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine; and he is a Charter Diplomate of the American College of Animal Welfare.

OLAW Representative

Nicolette Petervary

USDA Representative

Martha Keller

Programs Support

The IACUC Administrators Association (IAA) and related activities are supported through OLAW and IAA memberships.  Membership fees through ongoing involvement from the community allow the IAA to keep activities fees at a minimum.  We ask that you please become a new member, or maintain your membership status (memberships are renewed annually).  If you are a current member of the IAA, you are free to attend webinars at no charge.  Individuals that are non-members or those with expired memberships will be asked to provide $30 in support for each webinar they attend.