Dear Research Community,
As part of the continued growth of the Henry Ford Health (HFH) and Michigan State University (MSU) partnership, we are pleased to share an update regarding the integration of our animal care and use programs.
Over the past year, leaders from both institutions have carefully evaluated opportunities to better align our animal research infrastructure in a manner that strengthens scientific collaboration, supports the future HFH–MSU Research Center, enhances operational efficiency, and maintains the highest standards of animal welfare and regulatory compliance. Following this planning process, HFH and MSU are moving forward with a phased integration of our animal care and use programs into a unified oversight structure. The integrated program will include a single Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) with representation from both institutions, a single Public Health Service (PHS) Assurance under MSU, harmonized policies and procedures, and coordinated administrative and operational support across both organizations. The integrated program will continue to operate in accordance with AAALAC international accreditation standards and all applicable federal, state and institutional requirements.
This effort is guided by several core principles:
- Maintaining excellence in animal welfare and ethical oversight.
- Supporting innovative, high-quality research.
- Providing a consistent and compliant regulatory framework.
- Reducing administrative complexity for investigators working across institutions.
- Building a sustainable foundation that supports future growth, collaboration, and scientific discovery.
Importantly, this integration will occur through a deliberate, multi-phase implementation process. Current efforts are focused on establishing governance, aligning policies and procedures, and preparing the system and operational infrastructure needed to support the integrated program. Additional phases will include technology integration, training, protocol transition activities, and operational optimization. Throughout this process, our goal is to minimize disruption to ongoing research activities while ensuring transparency, maintaining open communication, and providing investigators and research staff with the information, training, and support needed for a successful transition.
At this time, there are no immediate changes to approved animal studies, protocol review processes, animal care services, or investigator responsibilities. Existing animal research activities should continue under current procedures unless and until specific guidance is provided. Future changes will be communicated well in advance and accompanied by training, support resources, and opportunities for engagement.
We will continue to share updates as key implementation milestones are reached. This integration represents an important milestone in the continued growth of the HFH-MSU partnership. By combining our expertise and resources, we are building a stronger, more collaborative animal research program that supports investigators today while positioning both institutions for continued scientific excellence.
Thank you for your continued commitment to responsible animal research and to advancing discoveries that improve human health.
Sincerely,
Shashank Priya
Vice President for Research and Innovation
Michigan State University
David E. Lanfear,
Chief Scientific Officer, Vice President for Research
Henry Ford Health