This scenario is not uncommon. In many large research labs, the Principal Investigator (PI) oversees a lab with a large number of research scientists, research staff, postdocs and graduate students. In many cases the PI is not aware of the day-to-day actions of this multitude of staff and trainees, even with a lab manager. Moreover, the oversight of the trainees (postdocs and students) may be lacking and the desire to achieve results by these individuals may override the requirement to conduct good science that incorporates animal welfare.
In this scenario, a postdoctoral fellow failed to adhere to approved endpoints in an effort to obtain additional data. This is clearly a noncompliance and must be dealt with by the IACUC. Although it may seem a bit harsh, the IACUC is certainly within their charge to suspend animal use activities in Dr. Felelős’ lab. This situation severely impacted animal welfare and is not trivial. Yes, it is true the IACUC could have focused on the postdoc and simply suspended the postdoc until additional training was complete. This scenario does not provide any history of non-compliant events from the lab that may have contributed to the IACUC’s decision or if the Institutional Official (IO) was consulted before announcing the decision. Both would be important considerations when handing down a suspension of animal research activities.
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