The National Institutes of Health (NIH) requires researchers to submit a detailed justification for the use of animals in their research proposals. This is done through the completion of Form PHS 702, also known as the Vertebrate Animal Section. The information provided in this form is crucial in determining whether the proposed research is justified and if the animal welfare is adequately protected.
Here are 5 essential facts about Form PHS 702 that every researcher should know:
What is Form PHS 702?
Form PHS 702 is a required document that must be submitted as part of a research proposal to the NIH. It provides a detailed description of the proposed use of vertebrate animals in the research, including the number of animals to be used, the procedures to be performed, and the measures to be taken to minimize animal suffering.
Why is Form PHS 702 important?
Form PHS 702 is essential in ensuring that researchers are aware of the importance of animal welfare and that they are taking all necessary steps to minimize animal suffering. The information provided in the form is used to evaluate the proposed research and determine whether it meets the NIH's standards for the use of animals in research.
What information is required on Form PHS 702?
The information required on Form PHS 702 includes:
- A detailed description of the proposed research, including the objectives and the expected outcomes
- A description of the procedures to be performed on the animals, including any surgery, anesthesia, or other interventions
- An explanation of why the use of animals is necessary and why alternative methods are not feasible
- A description of the measures to be taken to minimize animal suffering, including the use of anesthesia, analgesia, and other methods to reduce pain and distress
- Information on the number of animals to be used and the species, strain, and age of the animals
How is Form PHS 702 evaluated?
The evaluation of Form PHS 702 is an essential step in the NIH's peer review process. The form is reviewed by a panel of experts who assess the proposed research and determine whether it meets the NIH's standards for the use of animals in research. The reviewers consider factors such as the scientific merit of the proposal, the necessity of the use of animals, and the measures to be taken to minimize animal suffering.
What are the consequences of not completing Form PHS 702 correctly?
Failure to complete Form PHS 702 correctly can have serious consequences, including:
- Delay or rejection of the research proposal
- Loss of funding or other support
- Adverse impact on the researcher's reputation and career
- Potential harm to the animals involved in the research
Best practices for completing Form PHS 702
To ensure that Form PHS 702 is completed correctly, researchers should:
- Carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the NIH
- Provide detailed and accurate information about the proposed research
- Ensure that the form is complete and free of errors
- Obtain feedback from colleagues and peers before submitting the form
Additional resources for completing Form PHS 702
The NIH provides a range of resources to help researchers complete Form PHS 702, including:
- The NIH Grants Policy Statement
- The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
- The NIH's website, which provides information and guidance on the use of animals in research
By following these guidelines and best practices, researchers can ensure that they complete Form PHS 702 correctly and that their research proposals meet the NIH's standards for the use of animals in research.
Call to action
If you are a researcher who is planning to submit a research proposal to the NIH, we encourage you to carefully review the instructions for completing Form PHS 702 and to seek feedback from colleagues and peers. By doing so, you can ensure that your proposal is complete and accurate and that you meet the NIH's standards for the use of animals in research.
Share your thoughts on the importance of Form PHS 702 in the comments section below. Have you had any experience with completing this form? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
What is the purpose of Form PHS 702?
+The purpose of Form PHS 702 is to provide a detailed justification for the use of animals in research proposals submitted to the NIH.
What information is required on Form PHS 702?
+The information required on Form PHS 702 includes a detailed description of the proposed research, the procedures to be performed on the animals, and the measures to be taken to minimize animal suffering.
What are the consequences of not completing Form PHS 702 correctly?
+The consequences of not completing Form PHS 702 correctly can include delay or rejection of the research proposal, loss of funding or other support, and adverse impact on the researcher's reputation and career.