The AEC assesses and monitors the use of animals for scientific purposes including research and teaching
The Griffith University Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) is constituted in accordance with the terms of reference and membership requirements specified in the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. The AEC assesses and monitors the use of animals for scientific purposes including research and teaching. The committee also monitors approved projects to safeguard the welfare of the animals involved.
The AEC assesses proposals by weighing the predicted scientific or educational value of the use against the potential impact on the welfare of the animals. The AEC must be satisfied the use is essential, justified and conforms to the requirements of the Code. An essential component of AEC assessment involves consideration of the steps taken to comply with the principles of the 3 Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement). Only activities that conform to all relevant sections of the Code and legislation may be approved.
Key functions
Specifically, the role of the AEC is to:
- Advise the University on appropriate ethical standards in relation to the use of animals in research and teaching, and whether these standards satisfy the Queensland Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 and the terms of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (2013)
- Monitor compliance with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018) and the Griffith University Policy for the Responsible Conduct of Research
- Advise individuals within the University on compliance with the Queensland Act and Australian code
- Report on committee operations to the Research Committee, as well as to State and Commonwealth Government authorities.
AEC constitution
Read more about the constitution of the AEC, including the composition of the committee, qualifications of core members and committee roles.
Standard Operating Procedures
See more on the AEC’s meeting procedures and administrative and review processes.
Contact us
Call (07) 3735 2069 or email us for any queries regarding animal ethics at Griffith.