What do internal audits help research institutions achieve?

Internal audits serve a critical role in research institutions by ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations. These audits involve systematic reviews of the institution's practices, procedures, and overall adherence to the legal requirements set forth by the Animal Welfare Act and associated regulations. By conducting internal audits, institutions can identify any areas where they may be falling short of compliance, enabling them to make necessary adjustments and improvements. This proactive approach not only helps maintain high standards of animal care and welfare but also fosters a culture of responsibility and ethical research practices within the institution.

The other options do not reflect the primary purpose of internal audits. For instance, detecting breeding habits is more related to research activities and monitoring rather than the compliance focus of audits. Maximizing the number of animals used is contrary to the principles of animal welfare that aim to minimize animal usage wherever possible. Lastly, while reducing costs can be a beneficial outcome of improved efficiencies, it is not the main objective of conducting an internal audit, which is centered on compliance with welfare standards.