Animal Care and Ethics Committee (ACEC)

The University's Animal Care and Ethics Committee (or ACEC) oversees the care and welfare of animals we work with.

The committee is responsible for:​​​​​​

  • considering the ethical and welfare aspects of involving animals in research and teaching
  • assessing the scientific or educational value of involving animals in proposed projects
  • monitoring the care and use of animals involved in University research or teaching activities
  • carrying out regular inspections of research areas, breeding areas and holding areas
  • ensuring we operate within the strict legislative framework that governs the use of animals in research.

The ACEC reports to the University Council. Committee members include at least one person from each of the four categories of membership in accordance with section 2.2.4 of Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (8th edition 2013).

  • Category A: Veterinarians: People with qualifications in veterinary science that are recognised for registration as a veterinary surgeon in Australia and with experience relevant to the University’s activities or the ability to acquire relevant knowledge.
  • Category B: Researchers: People with substantial and recent experience in the use of animals for scientific purposes relevant to the institution and the business of the ACEC. This must include possession of a higher degree in research or equivalent experience.
  • Category C: Animal welfare members, including persons 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 based on active membership of and endorsement by such an organisation.
  • Category D: Independent members, including persons 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 view to the ACEC and must not fit the requirements of any other category.

The ACEC meets monthly for 11 months of the year. It’s supported by the University’s Animal Ethics Team and Animal Welfare Officer, and is guided by its Constitution.

Expressions of interest

Expressions of interest in membership to the ACEC can be made by submitting a completed EOI form. An applicant's details will be kept on record until a vacancy becomes available that matches their membership type.