Animal Research
Monash University Animal Ethics Committee (AEC)
Animal research is guided by ethical principles, regulations, guidelines and codes; however they vary depending on the animal being used. The NHMRC Guidelines to Promote the Wellbeing of Animals Used for Scientific Research Purposes (2008) and the Monash University Research Office provides resources and information on the use of various animals provide guidelines on the ethical responsibilities of using animals for research purposes. Any person at Monash University who wishes to use animals in research or teaching must first obtain approval from their School or Faculty Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). The project can only commence once written AEC approval has been received. *Please note that you may need to provide your Monash Authcate to access some of the above links.
By law, and in accord with Code, AECs must have at least one member from each of the following categories:
A veterinarian
A qualified veterinarian that is registered with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria.
An animal researcher
A researcher conducting studies using animals.
A welfare member
A person with demonstrable commitment to, and established experience, in furthering the welfare of animals
An independent lay person
An independent person who does not currently and has not previously conducted scientific or teaching activities using animals.