NIH has simplified the Vertebrate Animals Section (VAS) of grant applications, cooperative agreements, and contract proposals to remove redundancy with IACUC review while meeting the requirements of the PHS Policy.   UMBC Investigators applying for PHS funding should review the NIH Guide Notice NOT-OD-16-006 to learn more about the updated VAS requirements, the implementation schedule, and what has changed. 

UMBC Investigators applying for PHS funds are encouraged use the Worksheet for the Review of the Vertebrate Animal Section when developing protocol applications for review by the IACUC. This will ensure that what is being proposed for funding is consistent in the description the IACUC reviews and approves.

For more information see the NIH Vertebrate Animals Section webpage, or contact compliance@umbc.edu.

National Biosafety Stewardship Month is a period during which institutions, such as UMBC, are encouraged to focus  efforts on promoting awareness of investigator responsibilities and sustaining a culture of safety/responsibility in life science research.

 For more information and materials about biosafety stewardship, please click on the IBC website or contact Environmental Safety and Health at safety@umbc.edu or the ORPC at compliance@umbc.edu.