Sally Thompson-Iritani, DVM/PhD, is the Assistant Vice Provost for Animal Care, Outreach, and the 3Rs at the University of Washington's Office of Research. With a background in industry and academia, she has served as a laboratory animal veterinarian, IACUC administrator, facility manager, and preclinical researcher. Driven by a commitment to animal welfare and scientific excellence, she emphasizes the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in research.
Certified in key areas, including IACUC administration and Compassion Fatigue, she advocates for holistic approaches in animal care. As the executive sponsor for the UW Dare to Care program, she advocates for initiatives that support personnel working with research animals. Dr. Thompson-Iritani is also a mentor for the UW One Health Program, contributing to physician training on the importance of One Health.
Nationally, she serves as Chair of the Roundtable on the Science and Welfare in Laboratory Animal Use (an activity of the NASEM Board on Animal Health, Science, and Conservation Research), the President for the 3Rs Collaborative and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Alternative Toxicological Methods (SACATM), and Vice-Chair for the Steering Committee for the US Animal Research Openness Initiative (USARO). She collaborates internally and externally to enhance communication on animal research. Locally, Dr. Thompson-Iritani serves as Treasurer for Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) and the Feral Cat Spay and Neuter Project (FCSNP), showcasing her commitment to community engagement and responsible animal care practices.
In summary, Sally Thompson-Iritani is a distinguished leader contributing significantly to openness, transparency, and ethical practices in animal research at the University of Washington and nationally. Her multifaceted approach ensures a harmonious balance between scientific progress and ethical responsibilities in animal care and research.