Charles Darwin University has one Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). In addition to supporting CDU staff and students, the AEC provides services to several external organisations and individuals.
Our responsibilities
On behalf of their approved users, the AEC is responsible for ensuring that activities relating to the care and use of animals for scientific purposes are conducted in compliance with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (8th edition, 2013).
Key roles
- Review submissions to ensure that the use of animals for scientific purposes is justified and complies with the Code.
- Ensure the welfare of animals used for scientific purposes.
- Monitor the care and use of animals, including undertaking site and facility inspections.
- Conduct reviews of approved projects.
- Ensure appropriate management of unexpected adverse events.
- Take appropriate action in regard to incidents of non-compliance.
AEC structure
The AEC operates in accordance with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (the Code); as well as its approved Terms of Reference, CDU policies and procedures, the NT Animal Protection Act 2018and NT Animal Protection Regulations 2022, and other corresponding state, territory and federal legislation.
AEC Membership
The CDU AEC is comprised of categories of members as described in the Code. An abridged description of each category is provided below.
Category A member
A person with qualifications in veterinary science and with experience relevant to the activities of the institution.
Category B member
A suitably qualified person with substantial recent experience in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities. This usually entails the possession of a higher degree in research.
Category C member
A person with demonstrable commitment to and established experience in furthering the welfare of animals. This person is not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution, and is not involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
Category D member
A person who is both independent of the institution and who has never been involved in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities, either in their employment or beyond their under-graduate education. Category D members should be viewed by the wider community as bringing a completely independent view to the AEC and must not fit the requirements of any other category.
Become an approved AEC user
CDU research personnel and students are automatically entitled to access the services of the CDU AEC. Other individuals, organisations and institutions are required to apply to become a registered user. These applications are considered case by case by the AEC during scheduled meetings.
Project applications cannot be reviewed by the AEC unless—and until—the submitting party has been approved as a registered user of the CDU AEC.
It is also the responsibility of the individual, institution or organisation to obtain a licence to use premises for teaching or research involving animals from the NT Animal Welfare Authority, in addition to any licences or permits required in any other states or territories.
For further information regarding applying to become a registered user of the CDU AEC, please contact the Animal Ethics team.
Contact us
If you are have any queries regarding the CDU Animal Ethics Committee, please contact the Animal Ethics team.
E: ethics@cdu.edu.au
T: 08 8946 6063