The policies, procedures, and guidelines promulgated by the IACUC are designed to ensure that animals used in research and training at UAB are treated humanely and in accordance with the rules, regulations, and recommendations of federal and international oversight bodies. Investigators who find that a given policy is not optimal for their needs or the scientific goals of their research may request an exemption in the IACUC protocol. Requests for exemption will be reviewed and must be approved by the IACUC before the exemption can be implemented.