Human Ethics Reminders

Project Owners

Assigning an appropriate Project Owner in WREM is critical—this person is responsible for controlling access to applications and performing periodic updates. The initial Project Owner is the person who begins the application in WREM, but Project Owner status is transferable. Please remember to transfer project ownership prior to an individual leaving the institution.

Closing Student Projects

We see a large number of investigators placed on our “holds” list and unable to submit applications because of student projects that are never properly closed. Please remember that when a student project ends, a Study Closure Form must be submitted by the Principal Investigator.

Animal Ethics Updates

CCAC’s Full Virtual Assessment

CCAC has rescheduled their 'visit' to Western for June 22–25, 2021. To learn more, please see the ACC's presentation on OWL. For more information, please contact the ACC (acc@uwo.ca).

2021 ACC Site Visits Format

In 2021 the Animal Care Committee will be using a two-step process for visiting animal holding and use  sites:

1. First, a virtual tour of the area will be performed with a small group of individuals, focusing on:
   • security, infrastructure & maintenance
   • space and animal oversight and care, and
   • housekeeping.
2. A follow-up one-hour discussion involving various area supervisors and research teams will meet over ZOOM with ACC members to provide and receive updates on our Animal Ethics and Care Program.

New Software System

On track to go live at the end of 2021, Western's Animal Ethics and Care Program is implementing a new integrated, citywide software system for AUPs, animal procurement, veterinary care, cage census, and billing. For more information, visit the ACC OWL site.

Policy/Procedures Highlight

Check out the new Extra-Vivarial Spaces Policy/Procedures Presentation focused on ‘Animal Holding and Use within Extra-Vivarial Spaces’ policy and procedures.

Proteus Innovation Competition Sees Most Entries Ever

Fifty-seven teams comprising more than 190 individuals vied for the five top prizes at this year’s Proteus Innovation Competition—more than any other year in the contest’s six-year history.

Teams overcame the challenges brought on by the pandemic and competed virtually, creating abstracts and business plans, then making pitches to a panel of judges.