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 Dr Serina Hancock.
Counsel is provided by people responsible for the routine care of animals (Animal House Manager and Animal Farm Manager) and Research Ethics and Integrity (Animal Ethics Advisor and the Manager Research Ethics and Integrity).
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.
2023 Meeting dates
| Agendas Deadline (Thursday) | Meeting dates (Tuesday) |
|---|---|
| 23rd November | 5th December |
2024 Meeting dates
| Agendas Deadline (Thursday) | Meeting dates (Tuesday) | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 18 | January 30 | Senate |
| February 1 | February 13 (Annual reports) | Chancellery 1.015 |
| February 15 | February 27 | Senate |
| March 14 | March 26 | Senate |
| April 18 | April 30 | Senate |
| May 16 | May 28 | Senate |
| June 13 | June 25 | Senate |
| July 18 | July 30 | Senate |
| August 15 | August 27 | Senate |
| September 19 | October 1 | Senate |
| October 24 | November 5 | Senate |
| November 21 | December 3 | Senate |