Animal Research Ethics
The use of vertebrate (and higher order invertebrates) animals for research or teaching purposes must meet the requirements of the WA Animal Welfare Act 2002 and the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (7th edition 2004). Encapsulated in the code is the need to consider the 3Rs (Russell and Burch 1959) when using animal in teaching and research:
- The replacement of animals with other methods
- The reduction in the number of animals used by good experimental design and use of statistics.
- The refinement of techniques used to reduce the adverse impact on animals.
Curtin University has established an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) to oversee the care and use of animals in research and teaching at all Western Australian campuses or off campus in the case of wild animals. Prior to use of any animal in teaching or research, approval must be obtained from the AEC.
Investigators who use animals for research or teaching purposes have a personal responsibility for all matters relating to the welfare of the animals they use and must act in accordance with all requirements of the code. They also have a responsibility for ensuring that the level of supervision of personnel involved in the care and management of the animals in the projects takes into account competence levels of each person and the responsibilities they are given.
- Application Forms
- Guidelines
- Contact Details
- Meeting Dates
- Policies and Associated Documentation
- Constitution of the Animal Ethics Committee
For common application questions, please consult the FAQs section of the website by clicking on the FAQs link in the box on the left of this page.
Application Forms
Applications can be submitted at any time to the Secretary (see Contact Details) and will be referred to the full committee (see Meeting Dates).
| Application to Undertake Research Involving Animals | For new research projects, or as a "Repeat Initial Application" for a project entering its fourth year. Under the legislation, an approval may be issued for a maximum of one year. | Download Form (Research) |
|---|---|---|
| Application to Undertake Teaching Involving Animals | For new teaching projects, or as a "Repeat Initial Application" for a project entering its fourth year. Under the legislation, an Animal Research Authority approval may be issued for a maximum of one year. | Download Form (Teaching) |
| Application for Renewed Approval | Approval is granted for a duration not exceeding 31 December for the year of approval, and is subject to renewal. You must apply to renew your application each year. Applications can only be renewed a maximum of three times. To continue beyond four renewals a new application must be submitted. | Download Form (Renewal) |
| Application for Observational Study | For new observational projects, or as a "Repeat Initial Application" for a project entering its fourth year. Under the legislation, an Animal Research Authority approval may be issued for a maximum of one year. | Download Form (Obs) |
| Amendment form | For changes to a project e.g. additional investigator, change of strain | Download Form (Amend) |
| Report on Adverse Event | To be submitted to the AEC immediately after an unexpected adverse event has occurred in any project. | Download Form (Adverse) |
| Report on Completed Project | This report is required on completion or discontinuation of an approved project. | Download Form (Completed) |
Please note: An application for renewal may be made with a Renewal Form three years running, after which a NEW application form must be submitted.
Guidelines
When filling in application forms, please refer to the Modes of Operation document to assist with the process.
Contact Details
All enquiries can be made to the Secretary on +61 8 9266 2784 or via aec@curtin.edu.au
Please submit all applications to:
The Secretary, AEC
Office of Research and Development
PO Box U1987
Perth WA 6845
aec@curtin.edu.au
Meeting Dates
The agenda deadline is the Tuesday 14 days prior to the meeting date. No late applications will be accepted.
Tuesday 8 July 2008
Tuesday 12 August 2008
Tuesday 30 September 2008
Tuesday 11 November 2008
Tuesday 16 December 2008
Policies and Associated Documentation
- Animal Welfare Act 2002 - Information Update for Curtin Staff and Students
- NHMRC Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes [7th Edition, 2004]
- The Animal Welfare Act 2002
- Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research Formerly the Joint NHMRC / AVCC Statement and Guidelines on Research Practice (1997) (Australian Government, National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Research Council and Universities Australia, 2007)
