Mission and tasks
The mission of the Animal Welfare Body of Amsterdam UMC - VU (in Dutch: Instantie voor Dierenwelzijn, or short IvD) is to support all animal research aspects according to the legal requirements from an animal welfare perspective, in cooperation with all persons involved from VU Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC. You can contact us at: ivd@amsterdamumc.nl.
The Animal Welfare Body Amsterdam UMC - VU is a dedicated small team fulfilling the legally required function in full compliance with animal welfare regulations according to the Dutch law and the EU Directive 2010/63/EU. We advise on and assess the experimental conduct of animal experiments, monitor animal welfare, register VU Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC personnel including external collaborators involved in animal research in our research facility. We also support the 3R principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).
The Animal Welfare Body Amsterdam UMC - VU works in closely together with scientists, the Amsterdam Division for Laboratory Animal Science (ADLAS) the Dierexperimentencommissie (DEC) and the Centrale Commissie Dierproeven (CCD). We are the responsible contact concerning all animal research aspects with the governmental institutions.
CCD permit procedure
To perform animal experiments an approved CCD permit is required. Submission of every permit application to the CCD is coordinated with and approved by the Animal Welfare Body Amsterdam UMC - VU. After our approval, the submission to the CCD and the payment of the fees by the researchers, the DEC committee carries out an ethical review and assesses whether the aims and interests of the research or education project justify the use of laboratory animals. Animal research permits are granted only after a positive advice from the DEC followed by the final approval by the CCD. If you want to start with a new permit application, please mail to ivd@amsterdamumc.nl for more information.