The CRCHUM animal core facility: rigour, transparency and commitment (part 1)

More than just animal housing

At the CHUM Research Centre (CRCHUM), a significant portion of biomedical research relies on animal models to better understand diseases. They are essential for discovering new therapies.

To support scientific work using animals, the CRCHUM relies on a specialized core facility: the animal facility.

Behind this facility lies a team of over 50 people, including veterinarians, animal health technicians and animal care employees. There is also an Institutional Animal Care Committee (IACC).

In specialized facilities, the core facility's staff works to provide exemplary animal care every day. Our core facility is much more than just a place to house animals: it's a space designed to offer safe living conditions that are adapted to and respectful of animals’ needs.

An essential facility for health research

Located in a modern, recently constructed building, the animal facility covers nearly 1,200 square metres and spans two floors, where several animal species are housed.

The animal facility supports the work of over 60 CRCHUM research teams from five research themes (Cardiometabolic, Cancer, Neuroscience, Immunopathology and Imaging & Engineering).

The facility also holds a Certificate of Good Animal Practice from the CCAC, a national organization responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of high standards for animal ethics and care in science in Canada. This certification is renewed every three years and is essential for research funding.

The CRCHUM is one of seven Canadian institutions committed to a voluntary approach to transparency in the use of animals in science. This initiative aims to better inform the public about responsible and rigorous research practices, and the efforts made to ensure animal welfare.

Find out more about the IACC in an upcoming publication.

Author: Animal facility and IACC teams, The Core Facilities’ Echo committee