Applying for animal ethics approval

Learn how to apply for Animal Ethics Committee approval for research and teaching involving animals.

Researchers and postgraduate students must obtain Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) approval before commencing any research or teaching activity involving animals. Applications are submitted through Hōkai, the University's ethics management system.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application to the Animals Ethics Committee, consider:

• the scientific or educational objectives of the project
• potential impacts on animal welfare
• opportunities to apply the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (the 3Rs), and
• training plans and competency requirements for people involved in the research.

How applications are assessed

The Committee reviews each application to ensure the proposed benefits of the research or teaching activity are justified, and animal welfare requirements are met.

The Committee considers:

• scientific or educational merit
• likely harm or distress to animals
• measures taken to reduce impacts on animals, and
• personnel training and competency.

Approval and monitoring

Once approved, projects remain subject to ongoing oversight. Throughout the project, the Committee monitors:

• compliance with approved protocols
• animal welfare outcomes
• the suitability of animal housing and care facilities, and
• reporting requirements throughout the life of the project.

Researchers are required to report project outcomes and any refinements or lessons learned along the way. This creates a valuable knowledge bank to inform future best practice.

Best practice constantly evolves in the international scientific community. As peer-reviewed evidence and guidance from national advisory bodies advances, some methodologies (such as the use of the Porsolt Swim Test for depression research) have been discontinued. The AEC will not approve procedures that are no longer considered ethical good-practice or scientifically valid.