Animal ethics approval

Investigators have personal responsibility for all matters that relate to the wellbeing of animals that they use, including their housing, husbandry and care. This responsibility extends throughout the period of use approved by the AEC until provisions are made for the animal at the conclusion of their use' [Animal Code 2.4.1].

Ethics approval must be obtained before any work can commence (Animal Code, 1.32 (ii)). Retrospective approvals cannot be granted.

Below are some useful links and information on the application process.

Consider ethics as part of the design and implementation of the project or activity. Allow 6-8 weeks for all new applications. Plan well to facilitate efficient approvals.

Read the Animal Code and all relevant Murdoch University policies and procedures on Legislation and links before proceeding.

Complete the Compass online module to obtain your animal ethics certification, as a prerequisite to the Animal Care and Ethics workshop, which is necessary before any animal work may commence.​​​​​​​

The application is submitted online via IRMA. A step-by-step submission guide can be found here. All forms must be submitted by the agenda document deadline.

The Chief Investigator must be a Murdoch University staff member who is able to take ultimate responsibility for the project or activity.

The Chief Investigator and the research team will receive a response following the AEC meeting. Once the ethics approval is obtained, your research can begin, and full funding may be released.

The care and use of animals must be conducted as outlined in the application and AEC-approved conditions. Changes or amendments must be approved before they are implemented.

Approval is usually granted for 3 calendar years for research applications and 4-5 years for teaching applications, conditional on the submission and approval of the Annual Report.​​​​​​​

Your animal ethics permit, with its allocated unique identification number, must be:

• displayed wherever animals are used for scientific purposes e.g. in the laboratory;
• carried in the field e.g. in the car or boat; and/or
• used in all correspondence related to that permit.

These tips, informed by the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (Animal Code) guide staff and students through the Murdoch University animal ethics application. Writing a good application balances adequate substance with succinct detail for a diverse Animal Ethics Committee (AEC).

A good application assists with efficient approval and should:

• explain the expected value of the knowledge to be obtained;
• address all ethical and animal welfare aspects; and
• demonstrate consideration of the 3 R's.

A good application also considers the following:​​​​​​​

• Audience: The AEC is diverse with lay and scientific members. Write your application in plain English. Avoid the use of scientific language, jargon, and acronyms.

• Succinct, self-explanatory, and sufficient: Include everything necessary to assess your application - evidence of your competence and experience to assess animal wellbeing, justification of animal use. Illustrations, figures, diagrams, and charts can be uploaded on IRMA.

• Professionalism: Formal documents and letters on Murdoch letterhead must be professional - no typographical errors or grammatical mistakes. Proofread your application. Seek help if English is not your first language.

Other considerations