Application for Animal Ethical Clearance

Clearance must be sought from the Committee BEFORE the project commences.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the relevant legislation and University policies and procedures before completing the request for clearance.Researchers should forward one (1) signed completed application (together with any required documentation) to the CQUniversity Animal Ethics Committee (CQUAEC) Secretary, at the Office of Research, Building 32, Rockhampton Campus.

Please note that there are two kinds of application forms: Research and Teaching. Researchers need to apply for permit(s) prior to submitting an application for ethical approval to the CQUAEC.  The CQUAEC has developed Guidelines for completing an application to assist researchers and students.

Important Note: The application proforma is continually being updated to incorporate changes and best practice in animal welfare and alterations to the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. Always download a new application proforma to ensure the correct form is being used.

Applicants are advised that they need to forward their request for clearance well in advance of the project's planned starting date. An email will be sent to the applicant to confirm receipt and advise of the application number. Please quote this number in all dealings with the Committee Secretary. First time applicants may find the teaching and research example applications useful in providing some guidance as to the kind of responses that are required. Applicants are advised to use these as a guide only, and to seek assistance from the Ethics and Compliance Officer (ethics@cqu.edu.au), if further clarification is required.

Expedited Review - Modifications only

If modifications to an approved project requires urgent consideration, a memo from the applicant justifying the request for executive approval needs to accompany the modification form. Please note that only minor modifications to approved projects will be reviewed executively where appropriate justification for such a review is given by the applicant. A new proposal or renewal can not be approved executively. The notification of the outcome of the expedited review is approximately ten (10) working days after the receipt of application.

Meetings

CQUAEC meets six times per year and the meeting dates and submission deadlines are available on the committee meetings webpage.

Modifications

All requests for changes to approved projects must be submitted to the CQUAEC on the modification form. Significant changes must be considered at an AEC meeting. Minor amendments may be approved by the Executive subcommittee of the CQUAEC . All minor amendments approved by the Executive on behalf of the CQUAEC must be ratified by the full committee at the next meeting.

Important Note: Extensions or amendments cannot be granted retrospectively.

Adverse Events

Researchers are required to report to the AEC any unexpected adverse events which happen to animals during their research. The Chair of the AEC (or Secretary if Chair is unavailable) must be notified by telephone within 24 hours of such an event, and the Adverse Event Form must be submitted as soon as practicable. In determining what is considered an adverse event, researchers are encouraged to visit the Department of Primary Industries website.

Reporting

The CQUAEC Terms of Reference require the Committee to monitor the conduct of research projects which involve animal experimentation from date of approval to date of completion so as to ensure compliance with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. CQUniversity adheres to the Code which sets out the responsibilities of institutions with respect to the approval and monitoring of projects and to the Animals Protection Act which enforces the Code.

CQUAEC requires an annual report to be submitted for approved projects of longer than twelve (12) months' duration and completion advice on the completion of the project for ease of completion a single proforma has been developed for both purposes. Researchers who fail to submit an appropriate annual report when requested may have their ethical clearance revoked and / or the ethical clearances of other projects suspended.

CQUAEC provides an annual report on the use of animals for scientific purposes to the Queensland Department of Primary Industries under Section 87 (1) of the Queensland Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Act No.64 of 2001). Researchers may be contacted to provide information for this report.