Animal Ethics Committee

The CQUniversity Animal Ethics Committee (CQUAEC) is responsible for assessing and providing clearance to any research or teaching projects undertaken by University staff or students involving the use of vertebrate animals. The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the use and care of animals by the University and conducting site inspections as necessary.

The standard operating procedures of the Animal Ethics Committee are in accordance with:

• Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (NHMRC)
• Queensland Animal Welfare and Ethics
• CQUniversity Code of Conduct for Research
• CQUniversity Animal Ethics Committee Terms of Reference

The CQU Animal Ethics Committee underwent an external review in October 2020, to meet the requirements of the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

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.

All applications are required to be entered via the online application process, available at My Research.

Applicants are advised that they need to submit their application for clearance well in advance of the project's planned starting date. The online form will generate a numerical identification number. Please quote this number in all dealings with the Committee Secretary. Applicants are advised to seek assistance from the Ethics team ethics@cqu.edu.au if further clarification is required.

Meeting and Submission Dates

The CQUniversity Animal Ethics Committee meets eleven times per year and the meeting dates and submission deadlines are:

2022 Schedule

Adverse Events or Complaints

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 Agriculture and Fisheries website.

Policies & Procedures

• CQUniversity Code of Conduct for Research
• CQUniversity Policy and Procedure for Research involving Humans and/or Animals for Ethical Clearance
• CQUniversity Animal Ethics Committee Terms of Reference
• CQUniversity Statement of Principles Guiding the Use of Animals in Teaching & Research at Australian Universities
• CQUniversity Animal Ethics Committee Application Form Guideline
• CQUniversity Animal Ethics Committee Complaints and Grievances Policy and Procedure
• CQUniversity Animal Ethics Committee Monitoring Policy and Procedure
• CQUniversity Animal Ethics Committee Operating Policy and Procedure

Internal only

Moodle (Ethics)