The primary role of the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) is to ensure that all animal care and use is conducted in accordance with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for the Scientific Purposes and incorporates the 3 R's principles of replacement, reduction and refinement.

The AEC oversees and monitors the use of animals in teaching and research. The scope of the AEC includes:
  • Alternatives to animal use
  • Animal Monitoring program and records
  • Health
  • Diet
  • Source
  • Transport
  • Housing
  • Skills of Investigators
  • Species
  • Methods
  • Statistics
  • Justifications
  • Re-use impact
  • Time frame

Who is on it?

There are at least 4 persons on an AEC, in the following categories:
  • Veterinary Surgeon
  • Researcher with experience using animals
  • Animal Welfare Advocate
  • Community Member with no related prior experience

The AEC at Murdoch University has two representatives in each category.

In addition to the above members, the AEC at Murdoch University also includes a Chairperson, who does not represent any particular category, a member who has advanced training in mathematics and statistics, and a researcher with experience utilising techniques where animals are not required.

The current Chair of the AEC is A/Prof Serina Hancock.

Counsel is provided by people responsible for the routine care of animals (Animal Farm Manager) and Research Ethics and Integrity (Animal Ethics Advisor and the Animal Welfare Advisor).

Established mechanisms and procedures of the committee are documented in its Operating Statement including the Terms of Reference.

Executive Committee

The Murdoch University AEC has an Executive Committee consisting of representatives from all categories. They can approve minor modifications to procedures. All decisions by the Executive are reviewed and ratified at the next meeting.

 

 

2025 Meeting dates

Agendas Deadline (Wednesday)Meeting dates (Tuesday)
25 November8 December

2026 Meeting dates

Agendas Deadline (Wednesday)Meeting dates (Tuesday)
7 January 20 January
28 January 10 February (Annual reports)
11 February 24 February 
18 March31 March 
15 April28 April 
13 May 26 May 
10 June 23 June 
8 July 21 July 
5 August 18 August 
3 September 15 September
30 September13 October
28 October10 November
25 November8 December

 

 

 

AEC decisions

Outright approval: Work using animals MAY commence.

Subject to: Work using animals MAY commence with restrictions, requirements or clarifications on the approval which MUST be adhered to.

Conditional: The proposed use of animals is not approved and work using animals MUST NOT commence. With further satisfactory information provided, approval may be granted.

 

Not approved (resubmit): An application may be resubmitted. Access to animals is denied.

Not Approved (no resubmit): Resubmission of the application will not change the outcome. Access to animals is denied.

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