FAQs

For the Animal Ethics Committee

Who needs to apply?

If your research or teaching involves the use of animals you will need to obtain clearance. Clearance must be sought from the Committee BEFORE the project commences.

What is an animal?

For the purposes of these guidelines and the legal requirement for ethics approval, the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes defines an animal as:

Any live non-human vertebrate; that is fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, encompassing domestic animals, purpose-bred animals, livestock and wildlife.

The Code also includes higher order invertebrates such as Cehpalopoda. Examples of the creatures of the class Cephalopoda: Octopi, squid. If you are unsure, please contact the CQUAEC Chair or Secretary.

Who can help with my application?

The CQUAEC has also developed Guidelines for completing an application to assist researchers and students. Please contact the CQUAEC Secretary for a copy.The CQUAEC Chair and Secretary can assist you to interpret and complete the form. You can also speak with your supervisor (if applicable) or a researcher who is experienced in writing animal ethics applications.

What should I submit with the application?

One (1) original signed application by the closing date. Please note applications submitted for approval without the required signatures will not be accepted under any circumstances. Researchers need to apply for permit(s) prior to submitting an application for ethical approval to the CQUAEC.

What if my supervisor is absent and can't sign the application?

If your supervisor is absent at the time of submission the CQUAEC will accept the signature of the Dean of School on behalf of your Supervisor.

IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU PLAN YOUR RESEARCH PROJECT IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR.

Where can I get information on the ethical principles which are considered in the approval process?

Please refer to the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

When will I know of the outcome of my application?

The notification of the outcome of the meetings is approximately five (5) working days after the meeting. It is recommended that you submit your application well in advance of the project's planned starting date.

Please be aware that further amendments to your research project may be required to satisfy the Committee's concerns. Full approval of your research project should not be automatically presumed.

An unsigned PDF version of approval letters will be emailed as soon as the report has been verified by the Chair.  Signed letters will be sent in hardcopy to the Chief Investigator / Supervisor, when signatures have been obtained. 

The CQUAEC will request a contact number at the time of receipt of the application, in order to discuss any issues during the meeting. If you are required to attend an interview on the meeting day, you will be notified the week preceding the meeting date.

Where should I submit the application?

Postal
Office of Research - CQIRP
AEC
Bldg 361, Ibis Avenue
CQUniversity Australia
Rockhampton QLD 4702

In Person
Office of Research - CQIRP
1st Floor, Bldg 361

Do I need ethical clearance for amendments to my research project?

All requests for changes to approved projects must be submitted to the CQUAEC on the modification form. Minor amendments may be approved by the Executive sub-committee 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