2008/09/19

CIC bioGUNE's Animal Unit receives the highest international accreditation for the use of animals in biomedical research.

The Animal Unit of the CIC bioGUNE has been awarded the "Full Accreditation" by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC).
AAALAC International is a private, non-profit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. CIC bioGUNE is the fourth institution in Spain to receive this award and one of the few within Europe. In consequence, the Center is in a privileged position to participate in international research projects, for which this accreditation is highly valued.

The Full Accreditation of AAALAC carries prestigious international recognition and is an excellence symbol that goes beyond the legal requirements and demonstrates the serious commitment of CIC bioGUNE to maintain a high level of competence in the use of animals for scientific purposes. This accreditation has been received after proceedings started in February 2007 when the Animal Unit applied for the award. The application included not only the report on the care and the use of the animals, but also on other issues relating to the health and safety of personnel, equipment maintenance and pest control.

The creation in 2006 of the Bioethical and Animal Welfare Committee in the CIC bioGUNE in order to review and evaluate the ethical and legal aspects of the procedures involving animals has been a key factor in obtaining this recognition. After a visit of the AAALAC inspectors in March 2008, the Animal Unit designed and implemented a bundle of complementary actions. On 10th of June the Unit received the maximal valuation granted by this international association, which certifies that the animal care and user program of the CIC bioGUNE complies with all the quality standards set by AAALAC.