The purpose of the BRF and MRTF is to support Biomedical Research undertaken by departments in the RCSI and Beaumont Hospital.
The Biomedical Research Facility (BRF and MRTF) have been refurbished and have been designed to accommodate rodents in high quality facilities for the use in scientific procedures under Directive 2010/63/EU (SI No.543 of 2012) and administered by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB).
The St Stephens Green site (SSG) is operated as a “clean barrier” facility. The benefit to researchers is that the animals will be of a high quality so that users reach their research goals with the knowledge that no pathogenic or other organisms have interfered with their experimental results.
Legal Requirements
All scientific work carried out on live animals in the BRF and MRTF is carried out under the control of the Irish Medicines Board. This authority was transferred from the Department of Health and Children (DoHC) which regulated this area until 31 December 2012. All users must hold a valid Personal authorisation which is authorised by a Project authorisation from the IMB. If work is to be carried out on dead animals no license is required, however Research Ethical Committee (REC) approval is needed and the person sacrificing the animals must be trained and competent to do so. – Scientific Procedures – IMB
Finance
The Biomedical Research facilities are financed by the College however the BRF and MRTF need to recover the costs and users are charged for the husbandry and other animal related costs on a daily basis. – BRF charges
Health & Safety
Health & Safety is an important aspect and one for which everyone is responsible. It is particularly important in a specialised environment like the BRF and MRTF. Staff and students using the BRF and MRTF must take reasonable care of their own and others health and safety by adopting safe working practices and by making proper use of the facilities provided. They must comply with the College Health and Safety Policies. Codes of Practice, Procedures and Departmental Rules and co-operate with College staff holding safety responsibilities. – RCSI Health & Safety
Standard Operating Procedures
It is important that anyone working within and using the animal facilities in the BRF and MRTF read, understand and comply with the SOP’s relevant to the area. – Link to SOP’s – Note: this is a password protected page. To obtain a password contact cathygodfrey@rcsi.ie
Governance of the BRF
Research Committee
BRF Committee
BRF Manager MRTF Manager Finance
Vet
Technologists Researchers
Using the BRF Animal Facilities