Animal Research Ethics

Research Ethics

Ethical Use of Animals for Research and Teaching purposes

Welcome to the Animal Ethics webpage, dedicated to promoting the ethical, humane, and responsible care and use of animals for scientific purposes. In alignment with the Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, our mission is to ensure that all animal research and teaching activities are conducted with the highest standards of integrity and respect for animal welfare.

If you are an SCU staff member or student and applying for Ethics approval, you can access Research Ethics information, forms and resources via the Research Launchpad to assist you.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Ethics Office, should you require any support in the application process.

Animal Research Ethics Ethics Complaints

Animal Research Ethics

The Southern Cross University Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) acts on behalf of the Institution and has the primary responsibility to ensure that care and animal use is conducted in compliance with the Code and act regarding non-compliance. Other responsibilities are outlined in the Code of Practice.

The Committee meets to assess the scientific merit and ethical acceptability of new animal research proposals as well as review the continuation of currently approved activities. They operate under a Terms of Reference. All new applications must be considered at full AEC meetings.

All new applications must be considered at full AEC meetings.

Committee key contacts:

Chair
Associate Professor Adam Hamlin

Secretary
Research Ethics Officer
e: animal.ethics@scu.edu.au

The Southern Cross University Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) was established as a legal requirement for conduct of research into animals under provisions of the NSW Animal Research Act 1985.

Any person wishing to undertake any form of research or teaching involving the use of all live non-human vertebrates, including abnormal husbandry or dietary conditions; collection of blood, tissue or other body samples; teaching; diagnoses; product testing; feeding trials and field surveys, must lodge an animal ethics application for consideration by the AEC and have an Animal Research Authority issued by the AEC before any research can commence.

Southern Cross University's AEC meets at Lismore Campus at least six times per year to consider the scientific merit and ethical acceptability of animal research proposals.

The Committee meets eight times per year to assess the scientific merit and ethical acceptability of new animal research proposals as well as review the continuation of currently approved activities.

All new applications must be considered at full AEC meetings. The Committee membership follows the legislation set by the Code and comprises of a Chair with suitable experience, and at least one person from each of four categories of membership:

  • Category A—a person with qualifications in veterinary science that are recognised for registration as a veterinary surgeon in Australia, and with experience relevant to the institution’s activities or the ability to acquire relevant knowledge.
  • Category B—a suitably qualified person with substantial and recent experience in the use of animals for scientific purposes relevant to the institution and the business of the AEC. This must include possession of a higher degree in research or equivalent experience. If the business of the AEC relates to the use of animals for teaching only, a teacher with substantial and recent experience may be appointed.
  • Category C—a person with demonstrable commitment to, and established experience in, furthering the welfare of animals, who is not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution, and who is not currently involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. Veterinarians with specific animal welfare interest and experience may meet the requirements of this category. While not representing an animal welfare organisation, the person should, where possible, be selected on the basis of active membership of, and endorsement by, such an organisation.
  • Category D—a person not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution and who has never been involved in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities, either in their employment or beyond their undergraduate education. Category D members should be viewed by the wider community as bringing a completely independent.

How to apply for Animal Ethics Approval

To apply for ethical clearance for animal research, refer to the Animal Ethics Research Launchpad page (login required).

Animal Ethics Complaints and non-compliances

Complaints and reports of suspected non-compliance about SCU animal ethics approved projects, the conduct of investigators in research and teaching activities, or concerns about the University's Animal Ethics Committees can be made by SCU Staff, students or members of the public. All complaints will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality.

For complaints and reports of suspected non-compliance please contact the AEC Chair:

A/Professor Adam Hamlin
Office of the Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor 
Southern Cross University
PO Box 157
Lismore NSW 2480
e: ahamlin@une.edu.au 

In the case of a complaint about the Animal Ethics Committees contact:

Research Ethics Officer
Office of the Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor 
Southern Cross University
PO Box 157
Lismore NSW 2480
e: lizzie.bazarnik@scu.edu.au