Animal Ethics - frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the Animal Ethics webpage?

To support ethical, humane, and responsible care and use of animals in SCU research and teaching, guided by the Australian Code. It provides resources, guidance, and updates to ensure animal-based activities are conducted with compassion and accountability.

Which animals and activities require approval?

Any use of live non-human vertebrates or cephalopods in scientific research or teaching requires Animal Ethics approval.

How do I apply for Animal Ethics approval?

Submit your application via SCU’s online management system IRMA.

What are the key preparation steps before I apply?

Confirm your project needs review; familiarise yourself with the ethical framework; complete ANZCCART ComPass training; understand the 3Rs; and use IRMA to create a coversheet and questionnaire that reflect the Code’s principles.

Can I discuss my project with the Animal Ethics Committee before submitting?

Yes. Early discussion is encouraged to identify issues and align your proposal with the Code.

When are applications reviewed?

The AEC meets monthly. To be considered, submit at least two weeks before the meeting (agenda closing date). Check the Animal Ethics Meeting Dates to plan your submission.

How should I write my application?

Use plain English, expand all acronyms, define technical terms, and ensure your summary is concise and clear.

What common pitfalls should I avoid?

• overly technical language
• unexpanded acronyms
• underestimating animal numbers
• incorrect end dates
• vague methods
• inadequate responses to the 3Rs
• insufficient detail on animal impacts
• incomplete description of care throughout the project lifecycle.

Incomplete summaries do not provide the AEC with a sufficient overview of the application.  A complete summary must include:

• What is the problem being addressed
• What knowledge gap exists
• How the proposed work will address that gap

How do I justify the number of animals?

Review the Animal Code, including the 3Rs, ensure scientific validity without unnecessary use, minimise numbers while maintaining integrity, and comply with guidelines. Consider power analysis to determine minimum numbers for reliable results.

Which resources can help with design and numbers?

ARRIVE Guidelines (transparent reporting), NSW DPI Guideline 32 (calculations for animal numbers), and 3Rs guidance from DPIRD which are found in Training and Support Resources.

Is training mandatory?

Yes. ANZCCART ComPass Phase 1 training is mandatory for all animal investigators. Upload your certificate with your IRMA application; the competency remains valid for five years.

What other training or support is available?

NSW DPIRD (ARRP) webinars and seminars offer additional training and policy guidance.

Can I reference SOPs in my application?

Yes - if the SOP has current AEC approval, all listed investigators are competent, and any variation is clearly described (which may trigger an SOP review).

How do I submit a new SOP for AEC approval?

Download the SCU SOP template, draft clear step-by-step instructions, obtain expert review (external reviewers allowed), secure Animal Welfare Officer review, then submit to the AEC for approval and publication.

How often are SOPs reviewed?

Every three years. The original author must update, re-validate with an expert, and resubmit for AEC re-approval; lapsed SOPs are removed.

Who reviews Animal Ethics applications at SCU?

The SCU Animal Ethics Committee (AEC), established under the NSW Animal Research Act 1985 and operating in accordance with the Australian Code.

How is the AEC composed?

Members include Category A (veterinarian), Category B (experienced researcher/teacher), Category C (animal welfare representative), and Category D (independent layperson), plus designated roles (e.g., Chair, Secretary).

How do I report an unexpected adverse event?

The Animal Code defines an Unexpected Adverse Event as any event that has a negative impact on the wellbeing of an animal and was not foreshadowed in the approved project or activity.

It is the policy of the SCU AEC that all unexpected adverse events must be reported to the AEC in writing, via the Animal Ethics Officer, within 24 hours, and a formal unexpected adverse event report form submitted via IRMA within 72 hours of the event. Additionally, if the unexpected adverse event resulted in the death of a research or teaching animal, a postmortem report must also be completed and submitted with the unexpected adverse event report form.