Topic

Peer Review for Scientific Merit

What do I need before I can begin?

You plan to submit or have submitted an Animal Use Protocol (AUP).

Overview

The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and the University Animal Care Committee (UACC) require that all research involving animals undergo the following two distinct and separate reviews and approvals prior to the use of animals.

  1. Peer review for scientific merit
  2. Ethics review by the Local Animal Care Committee (LACC)

Peer Review for Scientific Merit

Animals must only be used for research that has been found by independent, expert peers to have scientific merit. Studies funded by major external granting agencies (e.g., CIHR, NSERC, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, etc.) are considered to have undergone successful peer review during the granting process. Studies that are either not peer-reviewed as part of the granting process, or are internally funded, require peer review for scientific merit. Refer to the University of Toronto (U of T) UACC Guidelines on Peer Review for Scientific Merit and U of T Peer Review for Scientific Merit Submission Form for more information.

Peer review for scientific merit is required for all projects involving animal-based research unless an exemption has been granted. Refer to the U of T UACC Guidelines on Peer Review for Scientific Merit and the U of T Peer Review for Scientific Merit Exemption Form for more information. Note – animals used solely for teaching purposes require Pedagogical Merit Review.

Ethics Review by the LACC

If the project has been deemed to have scientific merit, an AUP must be submitted to the LACC for ethical review. The following resources provide additional information.

Forms & Downloads

VPRI Role

  • Identify AUPs requiring scientific merit review
  • Facilitate the peer review process between the PI, Review Panel, and LACC

VPRI Contact

Staff

General Inquiries: Animal Ethics & Compliance Unit

Research Oversight & Compliance Office (ROCO)
(416) 978-2798