​IACUC approval is required prior to the use of all live vertebrate animals (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and non-human mammals) and cephalopods in research. Types of protocols requiring IACUC approval include ¹teaching, field trials, environmental studies, research, diagnosis, product testing and the production of biological products.

For examples of protocols that do not require NTU-IACUC approval, please click here. 

NTU IACUC takes a serious view of the need to assess Animal Use Protocols (AUP) with the 3 Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) approach and all PIs are required to demonstrate due consideration of these aspects in their project. Prior to completing the AUP application form, refer to the ​NTU-IACUC policies on Special Procedures​. 

1.1 Ethics Review Management Portal (ERMP)

Access the ERMP: https://ermp.ntu.edu.sg/tickatlab/default.aspx

A PI's team member can now be added to an AUP as a Study Administrator to initiate AUP applications, amendments and annual reviews. However, such documents can continue to be submitted only by the study PI. To assign a team member as a Study Administrator, PIs are to write to [email protected] with their list of nominees and the corresponding email addresses of these personnel. 

The following guides on ERMP are available  on our intranet page. 

1. Introduction to ERMP and AUP creation 
   
2. Addition of Study Administrator
3. Creation of Amendment Form
4. Creation of Annual Review Form
   

For queries related to AUPs, please email [email protected]. 
For queries related to Animal Management modules on ERMP, please contact Animal Research Facilities (ARF).

1.2 Requirements Check prior to AUP Application

RCULA Certification & Training Records

• PIs are to ensure that all personnel listed on their protocol have undergone RCULA training for the animal species to be used in the protocol. Animal users must also be adequately trained and that their experience on specialised procedures remain current. 

• Please refer to our Training Requirements guide for further details. 

Risk Assessment 

• Risk Assessments (RAs) are to be completed and approved via the OHS website. If the RA is not submitted at the time of AUP application submission, it  must be stated by when RA will be provided. RA needs to be submitted prior to protocol approval.
• Risk Assessments are valid for a 3 year period so please ensure valid RAs are available for the duration of the project.
• Click here to complete a Risk Assessment.  
• Approved RAs are to be attached to section 12 of the AUP form on ARFMS. 

Vaccinations

• PIs are to ensure that all personnel added to their project have the appropriate vaccinations prior to commencing work on animals.​ Please refer to the Immunisation Grid on our intranet for the relevant vaccines required for the proposed study.​