The 2nd JSCLAR has been approved for 5 CPD Points for Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Melissa Marie R. Rondina is a seasoned laboratory animal veterinarian and bioethics expert with extensive experience in research protocol review and ethical oversight of animal studies. She currently serves as a key member of an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and has contributed significantly to enhancing review frameworks for animal research protocols in both academic and industry settings. With a strong background in veterinary medicine and laboratory animal science, Dr. Rondina is known for her practical, case-based approach to evaluating the scientific merit and ethical considerations of animal research. At the 2nd Joint Scientific Conference on Laboratory Animal Research, she will deliver a presentation on "Evaluating and Categorizing Animal Studies: Case Studies in Protocol Review," where she will share real-world scenarios and decision-making strategies that highlight best practices in protocol evaluation, aiming to improve transparency, compliance, and humane research standards across institutions.
Evaluating and Categorizing Animal Studies: Case Studies in Protocol Review
INTRODUCTION
In the Philippines, the advancement of laboratory animal science is becoming increasingly important in ensuring ethical, humane, and scientifically valid animal research. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) are tasked with a critical role — evaluating and approving research protocols that involve animals. To make effective decisions, IACUCs must be well-equipped to assess study objectives, categorize the type and severity of procedures, evaluate scientific merit, and ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations. However, gaps in experience, training, and standardization can hinder effective protocol review. This session focuses on building competency through structured evaluation and categorization using real-life-inspired case studies tailored to the Philippine context.
OBJECTIVES
Equip participants with a structured approach to evaluating animal research protocols.
Demonstrate how to categorize studies based on purpose, species, severity, and ethical justifiability.
Promote consistent application of ethical principles in protocol review.
Develop critical thinking through analysis of case-based scenarios.
Strengthen institutional review practices in alignment with national and international standards.
CONTENT OVERVIEW
The presentation will begin with a discussion of the core elements of protocol evaluation: justification for animal use, species selection, experimental design, welfare impact, and endpoints. It will then introduce a framework for categorizing studies based on research type (basic, applied, regulatory, educational), severity classification (mild, moderate, severe), and ethical considerations (3Rs — Replacement, Reduction, Refinement). Case studies adapted from Philippine settings — such as biomedical trials, vaccine studies in livestock, and educational dissection labs — will be used to challenge participants to assess protocols, identify issues, and provide recommendations. Each case will guide attendees through the full review process from initial submission to ethical decision-making, encouraging peer discussion and collaborative evaluation.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Gain confidence in evaluating and categorizing animal study protocols.
Develop skills in identifying ethical and scientific issues in proposed studies.
Apply consistent criteria when reviewing and categorizing research protocols.
Enhance their ability to communicate and justify review decisions within IACUC settings.
Contribute to improving animal welfare and scientific integrity in Philippine laboratory animal research.
CONCLUSIONS
The ethical and scientific evaluation of animal studies is a cornerstone of responsible research. By adopting case-based training approaches, Philippine institutions can strengthen their protocol review systems and align with global standards. With well-informed IACUCs and standardized practices, the country can ensure both animal welfare and research excellence in an evolving scientific landscape.