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The Use of Animals in Research and Teaching at Macalester College

Macalester science faculty are research-active scholars who generate new knowledge and deepen understanding in disciplines such as biology, geology, chemistry, psychology, and related fields of study. Through external funding and college support, our active research programs often engage students as collaborators, which benefits students’ career exploration and preparation. Such learning opportunities are extended to all levels of the curriculum and provide students exposure to the theoretical and practical aspects of scientific investigation. Within this extensive teaching, learning, and research ecosystem, the considered and intentional use of animals is part of certain scientific programs offered to our students.

Animal Practices Overview

Why are animals used in research at Macalester?

Live animal work is essential to understanding human and non-human behavior, physiology, and medicine. Biomedical research using animal models has led to critical developments in medicine, pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicine, and much more. Preparing the next generation of scientists requires thoughtful engagement and training with these kinds of research experiences. Hands-on experiences with animals prepare students for careers in these fields and many others.

Among our key advantages as an education institution are our small class and lab sizes, and the ability of faculty to shape course content. Lab courses allow students to learn and apply high standards for animal care, research ethics, and regulations. By learning in a setting that prioritizes humane treatment and ethical research, Macalester students become equipped to conduct thoughtful science and to advocate for high animal welfare standards throughout their careers. Faculty determine course content based on disciplinary standards and learning goals. The college supports academic freedom, and management of the curriculum is a faculty responsibility. 

How do faculty or staff members and students engage with the complex issues related to using animals in teaching and research?

Whether or not animals are directly used, certain teaching and research programs involve animal model systems or data derived from experiments that used animals. Discussion among faculty, staff, and students takes place to consider social, political, historical, and ethical uses of animals in research. Interdisciplinary conversations such as these are a hallmark of a Macalester education.

Who benefits from student research that is done with animals? 

Both students and the scientific community benefit from animal research. Students benefit from learning experiences involving animals, as they provide valuable, hands-on experience practicing the scientific method, animal welfare, and engagement with research ethics. These skills prepare students prepares students for careers in science, veterinary and human medicine, research, and other scientific fields. Additionally, outcomes from this work contribute to scientific understanding in areas such as behavior, neuroscience, and physiology. Our faculty, often with student co-authors, publish their research findings and present outcomes at regional, national, and international professional conferences.

What factors do Macalester faculty consider when making decisions about the use of live animals in teaching and research programs?

Faculty carefully evaluate pedagogical necessity for any animal use. The framework for such deliberations involves consideration of the “three Rs,” which have guided thinking, practice, and policy for ethical animal use since 1959.

  • Replacement: When, in the judgment of Macalester faculty, effective non-animal alternatives (e.g., videos, simulations, etc.) are available, we use them. Certain educational and research objectives (e.g., observing behavior conditioning, training in animal handling techniques, understanding the effects of a genetic mutation, etc.), however, cannot yet be met through these alternatives. Current technology is not yet advanced enough to fully replicate the complex biological responses of a living being.  Some virtual alternatives are akin to replacing human interactions with an AI chatbot.
  • Reduction: We minimize the number of animals used while maintaining the integrity and validity of the research. 
  • Refinement: We minimize the pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm that animals might experience.

Are live animals used in classes at Macalester?

Yes, live rodents are used in a small number of courses at Macalester. Faculty and staff ensure students are trained in animal use, regulatory oversight, and the importance of welfare before any animals are used. Animal use is heavily regulated, with stringent federal and local standards. At Macalester, use of animals in teaching is overseen by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Anyone involved in animal use is required to participate in training.

How extensive is the animal use program at Macalester?

The faculty at Macalester use a small number of rodents for research and teaching, the minimum number necessary to achieve scientific goals. Quantities are determined by statistical models informed by the three Rs and are considered as part of the IACUC protocol application and review process.

Who regulates the use of animals in teaching or research projects at Macalester?

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) of 1966 regulates the handling of animals. The AWA was amended in 1970 to protect animals used in research and experimentation. It has been amended several times since then to strengthen animal protections and expand its scope. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Public Health Service (PHS) guidelines require the oversight of activity by an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which must include a veterinarian. The IACUC implements a rigorous review, approval, and surveillance process outlined in the guidelines in which it carefully weighs the ethics of each decision to use animals. As such, Macalester adheres to all federal regulations and laws (e.g., Animal Welfare Act, NIH/PHS guidelines) and the American Psychological Association (APA) best practices.

What is the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and what role does it play in oversight of animal use for teaching and research purposes?

Any use of animals for teaching or research purposes must be approved by the IACUC. The IACUC assesses the scientific, technical, and ethical use of animals.  Proposals must describe in detail the experiments and number of animals that will be used. The inclusion of different perspectives in committee membership promotes objectivity and independent oversight in the review process. In compliance with federal regulations, the IACUC has a minimum of five members that includes: one veterinarian (trained in lab animal science), one practicing scientist with experience working with research animals, one member with a nonscientific interest (e.g. ethicist, lawyer, etc.), and one member who is not affiliated with the institution aside from serving for IACUC. The IACUC follows the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Ed, which is maintained by the National Research Council. The IACUC also conducts an inspection of facilities at least twice per year to ensure animal use facilities meet or exceed regulations.

Where do the animals come from and how are they cared for? 

Animals are sourced from reputable, licensed animal breeders that follow strict health and welfare standards. Once on campus, animals are cared for according to the Guide for the Care of Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Ed, and all living conditions and protocols are reviewed and approved by our Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). This ensures animals receive appropriate housing, enrichment, veterinary care, and ethical treatment. Dedicated staff with backgrounds in lab-animal care perform daily husbandry that includes health checks, routine cage cleaning, and providing food, water, and enrichment. Animal welfare is a top priority, and anyone can report concerns or suspected misuse through an anonymous reporting form.

Are Macalester students required to work with live animals if they are not comfortable doing so?

Students work with an academic advisor to choose their courses at Macalester. No student is required to enroll in areas of study or courses where animals are used. We acknowledge that some students may object to animal use on principle, and we respect multiple viewpoints based on individual interests, morals, religion, or other backgrounds. In introductory courses where students may be exploring areas of study, students are given the opportunity to opt out of animal use.

How are animal behaviors studied in the lab? 

Operant conditioning chambers are used to study how experimental conditions impact an animal’s behavior. Only rodents are used for these experiments. These tools are sometimes referred to as “Skinner box devices” after their developer, B.F. Skinner, and do not involve skinning animals. Unlike their uses in the first half of the 20th century, operant conditioning chambers do not rely solely on “positive punishment” (i.e. adding something undesirable to reduce a specific behavior, such as a shock to discourage a specific behavior). At Macalester such measures are not used. When positive punishment measures are used at other institutions, strong justification and oversight to minimize discomfort and distress to the animals is required. Many of these changes emerged from the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) of 1966, which regulates the handling of animals. The AWA was amended in 1970 to protect animals used in research and experimentation. It has been amended several times since then to strengthen animal protections and expand its scope.

What training and education do animal users receive at Macalester?

Faculty and staff have extensive experience with animal use from their graduate studies, postdoctoral appointments, and ongoing training. Animal care workers and students complete mandatory training through Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI program) modules, as well as in-person instruction from faculty and staff.