The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) continues to elevate Thailand’s research standards by recognising the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, for achieving “Excellent” accreditation from the National Laboratory Animal Center Accreditation Committee (TACUC). This accomplishment reflects the Faculty’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and quality in the care and use of laboratory animals, in line with internationally recognised best practices, and strengthens Thailand’s pursuit of excellence in laboratory animal ethics on the global stage.
Key Highlights
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), through the Institute for the Development and Promotion of Animals for Scientific Purposes (IDAS), reaffirmed the strategic commitment of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, to advancing the accreditation standards of its Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The Faculty successfully elevated its accreditation from “Very Good” to “Excellent”, the highest level of national accreditation for institutional animal care and use committees in Thailand.
This achievement reflects the effective adoption of best practices and proven models established by the Laboratory Animal Center, Chulalongkorn University, which attained “Excellent” IACUC accreditation in early 2026. Since then, the Centre has provided a strong institutional foundation for excellence in research ethics and the ethical care and use of laboratory animals, serving as a model for other units within the University.
Outcomes and benefits
Achieving the “Excellent” accreditation level represents a significant milestone in strengthening confidence in the quality, accuracy, reliability, and international competitiveness of pharmaceutical and biomedical research. It also demonstrates the institution’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in the use of animals for scientific purposes, in full compliance with the 3Rs principles: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement.
This robust ethical oversight framework is a critical component of Thailand’s research infrastructure, enhancing the international credibility of the country’s scientific research and innovation ecosystem. It provides a strong foundation for the development of high-quality pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biological products, thereby contributing to sustainable improvements in both human and animal health.
Conclusion
As the national authority responsible for assessing and accrediting standards for the ethical use of animals in scientific research, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) remains committed to continually supporting research institutions and higher education institutions across the country in strengthening their research governance and ethical standards.
The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, is currently undertaking an ongoing quality improvement process with the objective of attaining “Excellent” IACUC accreditation, the highest level of national accreditation, within the next one to two years. Achieving this milestone will further strengthen Thailand’s research ecosystem, reinforce international confidence in the country’s scientific research standards, and sustain Thailand’s leadership in the ethical use of animals for scientific purposes, in full compliance with the Animals for Scientific Purposes Act, B.E. 2558 (2015).
