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 November5th December

 

 

2024 Meeting dates

Agendas Deadline (Thursday)Meeting dates (Tuesday)Venue
January 18January 30Senate
February 1February 13 (Annual reports)Chancellery 1.015
February 15February 27Senate
March 14March 26Senate
April 18April 30Senate
May 16May 28Senate
June 13June 25Senate
July 18July 30Senate
August 15August 27Senate
September 19October 1Senate
October 24November 5Senate
November 21December 3Senate

 

 

AEC decisions