ACS - Archived Newsletters - Issue 5

July 2025

Index

CCAC Workshop and CALAS Symposium
CCAC Annual Report 2024/2025
IEDI Training for Researchers
Certified Rodent Surgeon Training
Dissecting an Animal Use Protocol Series
Animal Tribute Event

Animal Care Services Staff Updates

After nearly two decades of dedicated service, Dr. Anna Bolinder has concluded her time at the University. Anna joined ACS with a focus on the training program. Her role evolved to leading the unit as Veterinarian and Director, helping to advance the program with initiatives such as Post Approval Review. Her deep commitment to animal welfare, and many contributions to our research community have made a lasting impact not soon forgotten.

Please contact acc@uoguelph.ca for any ongoing files.

Martha Manning has moved from the position of Coordinator, Post Approval Review in ACS, to the role of Manager, Campus Animal Facilities. Martha brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the University’s research community—assets that will serve her well in this new position. While she will be greatly missed in the ACS office, we are excited for this next chapter in her career and look forward to continuing to work with her in this new capacity.

An announcement regarding the new Coordinator, Post Approval Review (PAR) will be shared once the recruitment process is complete.

Please contact accpost@uoguelph.ca for any ongoing files.

Chantelle Kuhn, Compliance and Facility Coordinator for ACS, is currently on parental leave and is expected to return in the summer of 2026. We're happy to announce she welcomed a healthy baby boy on June 19th and both are doing well.

Chantelle Kuhn and her baby boy in the hospital

Kristyn Fournier, is covering her parental leave and can be contacted at acc@uoguelph.ca for all questions regarding site visits and compliance.

Thank You for Your Patience

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period of staffing transition. With reduced staff numbers, some processes may take longer than usual, but please know we’re doing our best to maintain service and support. Your continued cooperation means a great deal to our team.

ACS Highlights

CCAC Workshop and CALAS Symposium

We are pleased that ACS and the University of Guelph was well represented at this year’s CCAC National Workshop and CALAS Symposium. Dr. Janet Sunohara-Neilson gave a plenary session for the CCAC entitled A rising tide: Animal welfare refinements in a multicentre study of sepsis. While Ms. Chantelle Kuhn attended the workshop as our compliance representative.

In a panel discussion, at the CALAS Symposium, Ms. Martha Manning shared insights on our Post-Approval Review program. Ms. Kristyn Fournier also proudly achieved her RMLAT certification.

ACS is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to national conversations on animal care and to celebrate the accomplishments of our team.

CCAC Annual Report 2024/2025

The CCAC 2024/2025 Annual Report provides a transparent overview of the CCACs activities, accomplishments, and financials over the past year, highlighting progress in standards development, program delivery, and national engagement in the ethical care and use of animals in science.

General News

IEDI Training for Researchers

IEDI in Research is a self-directed training course developed by the Research Services Office (RSO) to help guide researchers toward full integration of the principles of indigenization, equity, diversity, and inclusion (IEDI) into their research.

The course is intended to facilitate the creation of simple IEDI Action Plans by researchers. Using an action plan may help researchers identify and implement key IEDI actions and build capacity and competence over time.

Part 1 - IEDI in Research Team Management explores a set of 5 Action Areas with detailed action tips and reflection exercises.
Part 2 - IEDI in the Research Process explores the key concepts of sex, gender, diversity, and indigenization, and reviews each step of the research process, from the development of research priorities to the dissemination of research.

To access the course:

Log in to CourseLink
Click the Self Registration link on the navbar and find the IEDI for Researchers link to register

Training

Please refer to the Facility Orientation and Workshop Schedule page on the Animal User Training Program website for all training schedules. For specific guidance on what training you require to work with or care for animals at UofG, contact us at training@uoguelph.ca.

Spring/Summer 2025 Training Schedule

Certified Rodent Surgeon Training Process

This document provides a guide for trainees and principal investigators on the certification pathway to becoming an independent rodent surgeon. It was developed to clarify the sequence of steps and delineate responsibilities. Find a detailed description of the certification pathway or in the Animal User Training - Rodent Surgery CourseLink for those registered in the training. For questions regarding this process please contact training@uoguelph.ca.

Animal Utilization Protocols

AUP help drop-in sessions held every Wednesday from 1:00-2:30pm in-person with ACS or virtually on Teams. Check out the Interactive Support Sessions for Researchers page for more information

Enhance Your AUP Submission with Library Support

Did you know the library offers appointments to support various aspects of your research, including help with statistics? As part of an AUP submission, animal numbers must be scientifically justified. Section 6 of the AUP, where these justifications are captured, is often an area that lacks clarity for the Animal Care Committee. Seeking guidance through the library’s resources can help strengthen your submission, ensure appropriate animal use justification, and supports the 3Rs—particularly Reduction—by promoting the use of the minimum number of animals necessary to achieve scientific objectives.

Dissecting and Animal Use Protocol Series

Completing an AUP can be challenging, even for experienced researchers. In this upcoming series, Dissecting an Animal Use Protocol, we’ll break down the sections of the AUP that most often cause confusion or concern. The goal is to help PI's and assignees strengthen their submissions to streamline the review process. Each installment of the series will offer practical tips, clarifications, and examples to support protocol success from the start. In preparation for this series, look through the Animal Use Protocol Form - Guidance for Success and Common Concerns guide as a helpful reference document developed to address frequent pitfalls and promote best practices. Additional help is available through the AUP help drop-in sessions outlined above.

Community Spotlight

They're not just rats: a researchers perspective

On May 7th, ~40 attendees gathered for the annual Animal Tribute Event, a heartfelt celebration to honour the animals who contribute to scientific discovery and education at the university.

The event offered a space for reflection, gratitude, and recognition of the vital role animals play in advancing research and improving human and animal health. Thank you to all who joined us in this meaningful tribute.

To have your work or a fun photo of your animals highlighted, share it with us. Each issue will include one submission as we champion our community and the amazing animals that make our work possible.