The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is a regulatory body that oversees the ethical use of animals in research and teaching. Its primary role is to ensure that all animal research complies with federal regulations and institutional policies, promoting humane treatment and minimizing animal suffering. IACUCs are composed of scientists, veterinarians, and community members who review research proposals involving animals. They assess the necessity of using animals, evaluate the proposed procedures, and ensure that proper care and housing are provided, thereby safeguarding the welfare of the animals involved in studies.