Research Services

Research Ethics and Integrity

Animal Research Ethics

Where should AEC approval be sought?

1. Where the chief investigator is a La Trobe University staff member and the work is carried out at licensed La Trobe University facilities or in the field, including interstate or overseas :

• primary approval must be obtained from the La Trobe University AEC
• in the case of field work, the Fieldwork Notification Form (Section 12 of the Application Form) must be completed
• the AEC should be approached for information on current interstate licenses held by La Trobe University
• relevant overseas permits and approvals must be obtained; research must also comply with the standards of the Code

2. Where the chief investigator is a La Trobe University staff member and the work is to be performed at another institution with a separate Scientific Procedures Premises License:

• primary approval must be obtained from the AEC named on the Scientific Procedures Premises License of that institution
• secondary approval must be obtained from the La Trobe University AEC

3. Where the Chief Investigator originates from another establishment and wishes to use La Trobe University facilities in an experiment involving the scientific use of animals:

• primary approval must be obtained from the home AEC
• secondary approval must be obtained from the La Trobe University AEC.

Primary approval includes submitting a completed application form to the relevant Animal Ethics Committee. Work may only commence once an approval letter has been obtained and, if necessary, secondary approval has been granted.

Secondary approval includes submitting the approved primary approval application form and approval letter to the relevant Animal Ethics Committee. The La Trobe University AEC may consider such approval for expedited review out of session provided that animal welfare issues are covered to the satisfaction of the Committee. Other AECs may accept a La Trobe University AEC application form or request the completion of their own application form.