NIH Grants and Funding
In this issue:
- New OLAW FAQ: G.14. What are the institution’s responsibilities regarding whistleblowers?
- Reminder: 2024 Annual Report to OLAW
- OLAW Webinar: Disaster Preparedness and Response
- IACUC 101 Plus Virtual Workshop
- SCAW Virtual Basic IACUC Training Workshop
New OLAW FAQ: G.14. What are the institution’s responsibilities regarding whistleblowers?
OLAW is excited to share a new FAQ clarifying the institution’s role and responsibilities when a whistleblower report occurs. This new FAQ also provides helpful tips for institutional reporting to OLAW, as well as guidance for individuals who may consider making a whistleblower report. We welcome and will consider any comments received for future FAQ updates. To submit feedback, please feel free to email OLAW.
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Reminder: 2024 Annual Report to OLAW
Domestic Annual Reports for the reporting period of October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, are due to OLAW by December 1, 2024 for domestic institutions with an approved Domestic Animal Welfare Assurance. The Domestic Annual Report to OLAW webpage contains additional information and the Domestic Annual Report form. Domestic institutions must download the updated Annual Report form and should email the completed, signed Domestic Annual Report form in PDF format to [email protected] by December 1, 2024 but no earlier than September 30, 2024. To access the updated report document and learn more, visit the OLAW Domestic Annual Report webpage: Annual Report to OLAW | OLAW (nih.gov)
Foreign Annual Reports are not due at this time. A notice with details regarding Foreign Annual Reports will be announced separately.
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OLAW Webinar: Disaster Preparedness and Response
September 26, 2024 | 1:00-2:30pm ET | Virtual
Join us for a practical discussion on disaster preparedness and response, including in-the-trenches experience from a seasoned expert! Dr. Michael R. Holbrook, PhD, is the Associate Director for High Containment at the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Integrated Research Facility (IRF) at Ft. Detrick in Frederick, MD. He is the current chair of the NIH High-Containment Task Force, as well as been involved in the development and activation of three BSL-4 facilities.
Prior to his current position, he was the Director of the Robert E. Shope BSL-4 Laboratory at the University of Texas Medical Branch and the Emerging and High-Risk Pathogens (BSL-4) Core of the Galveston National Laboratory in addition to running his own research program focused on emerging and re-emerging viral diseases. While there, a key consideration was the annual threat of hurricanes that could impact the barrier island which has an average elevation of 7 feet above sea level. During this time, hurricanes Katrina and Rita came close to the island and hurricane Ike made a direct hit. Disaster planning and preparedness played a critical role in the ability to reduce storm impact.
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IACUC 101 Plus Virtual Workshop
October 1-2, 2024 | Virtual
The next IACUC 101 Plus Workshop will be held virtually over 2 six-hour days on October 1st and 2nd, 2024. IACUC 101 “Plus” virtual program is 2 days of didactic and interactive educational opportunities for both new and seasoned IACUC members, IACUC affiliates, and others who contribute to their institution’s animal care and use program. The "Plus" portion of the program includes additional Wildlife and Post Approval Monitoring modules and updates from USDA and OLAW. Didactic sessions address institutional responsibilities, IACUC charges, relevant informational resources, animal welfare laws, regulations and policies, and best practices. Students also are challenged to consider, deliberate, and develop action plans for a variety of potential IACUC scenarios. The course includes Q&A sessions with representatives from USDA and OLAW.
Registration is $75.00. This course is RACE approved for 12 hours. This registration will close at 11:00pm Eastern time September 24.
About IACUC 101: The IACUC 101 Series is an educational program designed to provide IACUC members, administrators, veterinarians, animal care staff, researchers, regulatory personnel, and compliance officers information about the role and responsibilities of the IACUC, including an understanding of federal policies and regulations governing laboratory animal welfare. The faculty consists of nationally recognized experts and representatives from private and academic biomedical research institutions, OLAW, USDA, and AAALAC International.
Information regarding this external event is being provided as a courtesy. Please direct all questions to the host organization.
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SCAW Virtual Basic IACUC Training Workshop
October 18, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 3:35 PM ET | Virtual
Register now for the September Virtual Basic IACUC Training Workshop! Topics to be discussed include:
- Stopping Non-compliance Before its Starts: Recognizing the Signs
- Collateral Damage: How IACUC Actions Could Have Far-Reaching Effects
- Corrective and Preventative Actions
- USDA Inspection and Enforcement Process What’s New and What’s Not
- Panel Discussion
About SCAW: The Scientists Center for Animal Welfare (SCAW) is dedicated to balancing animal welfare and excellence in basic and applied scientific inquiry. SCAW’s workshops further that mission by providing training from experts in animal research, including investigators, laboratory animal veterinarians, and representatives from the USDA, NIH OLAW, and AAALAC International.
Information regarding this external event is being provided as a courtesy. Please direct all questions to the host organization.