Animal ethics

Researchers who use live non-human vertebrate and higher-order invertebrate animals for experimental or teaching purposes are bound by the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes and relevant Australian State and Commonwealth legislation together with University regulations and policies. All research has additional research integrity responsibilities. Find out here about Research Integrity at La Trobe.

All research and teaching projects involving live non-human vertebrates and higher-order invertebrates must be reviewed and approved by the La Trobe University Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) before the project begins. Please contact the Ethics, Integrity and Biosafety team if you are not sure if an ethics approval is required.

Please see our events page for our upcoming events.

Getting your project approved

How to Apply

  1. Download and complete relevant documents:
  2. Please ensure all animal facilities nominated in your application are listed as La Trobe Licensed Premises (PDF 295KB).
  3. Optional – consider contacting the LARTF Vet and/or Animal Ethics Advisor for a pre-review of your application via email lartfvet@latrobe.edu.au or animalethics@latrobe.edu.au
  4. Log in to the PRIME Researcher Portal to create a new Animal Ethics Application:
    • Under Ethics Applications, click “+ New Animal Ethics Application”
    • Add all researcher personnel
    • Upload all completed forms and study documentation (as separate documents)
    • Click on “Submit to Research Office” by the relevant closing date (see below)

For help with training and feedback please see below:

  1. Training opportunities
    • Schedule a personalised session for help with your first submission through the PRIME;
    • Attend one of our weekly PRIME drop-in sessions - every Monday at midday https://latrobe.zoom.us/j/84839776836
  2. If you would like to book a time to discuss your needs and preferred option/s please contact the Ethics, Integrity and Biosafety Team

Time to Approval

The time to approval (business days) has largely been reduced by implementing new processes and revising the out of session review process. By providing clear and directed instructions to researchers, the AEC is able to review an increased number of matters and has deferred fewer applications to the next meeting.

201720182019
24 days30 days20 days
79 projects58 projects50 projects

Meeting Closing Dates

2023 Meeting Dates - New and deferred applications, major amendments, annual or final reports and unexpected adverse event reports
Pre-review cut-off (optional)Submission DeadlineMeeting Date
Midday Monday 16 October 2023Midday Monday 23 October 2023Thursday 9 November 2023
Midday Monday 20 November 2023Midday Monday 27 November 2023Thursday 14 December 2023
2024 Meeting Dates - New and deferred applications, major amendments, annual or final reports and unexpected adverse event reports
Pre-review cut-off (optional)Submission DeadlineMeeting Date
Midday Monday, 22 January 2024Midday Monday, 29 January 2024Thursday, 8 February 2024
Midday Friday, 23 February 2024Midday Friday, 1 March 2024Thursday, 14 March 2024
Midday Thursday, 21 March 2024Midday Thursday, 27 March 2024Thursday, 11 April 2024
Midday Friday, 19 April 2024Midday Friday, 26 April 2024Thursday, 9 May 2024
Midday Friday, 24 May 2024Midday Friday, 31 May 2024Thursday, 13 June 2024
Midday Friday, 21 June 2024Midday Friday, 28 June 2024Thursday, 11 July 2024
Midday Friday, 19 July 2024Midday Friday, 26 July 2024Thursday, 8 August 2024
Midday Friday, 23 August 2024Midday Friday, 30 August 2024Thursday, 12 September 2024
Midday Thursday, 19 September 2024Midday Thursday, 26 September 2024Thursday, 10 October 2024
Midday Friday, 25 October 2024Midday Friday, 1 November 2024Thursday, 14 November 2024
Midday Friday, 22 November 2024Midday Friday, 29 November 2024Thursday, 12 December 2024
Subject-to and minor amendments
Closing DateMeeting Date

Wednesday – every week (excluding 26 January 2023)

Wednesday the following week

* Meeting dates may be subject to change without notice

Animal Ethics Induction - Mandatory

The Ethics, Integrity and Biosafety (EIB) team and the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) host quarterly Animal Ethics Induction training via Zoom for all staff and students.


Who should attend?
Anyone listed as personnel on an AEC application or are involved in live animal work. New staff or students must enrol in an Induction session. Refresher training must be completed every 3 years post initial Induction training. This training is mandatory.


As per the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, (the Animal Code), all individuals involved in the care and use of animals must understand their responsibilities and the requirements of the Code (sections 2.1.8, 2.4.4 and 2.5.4.15). This includes the requirement to attend institutional AEC induction training.


How do I register?
Contact animalethics@latrobe.edu.au noting an expression of interest. If you are a LARFT user and have access to TRACR, please submit your training request via PRIME.

If you do not have access to TRACR, please submit a request via PRIME Support.

Upcoming training sessions:

 Animal Ethics Induction Date*Animal Ethics Induction Time Animal Ethics Refresher DateAnimal Ethics Refresher Time
1Tuesday 19 March 20242 - 5pm1Thursday 14 March 20243:30 - 4:30pm
2Wednesday 5 June 20242 - 5pm2Wednesday 5 June 20241 - 2pm
3Tuesday 8 October 20242 - 5pm3Tuesday 8 October 20241 - 2pm
4Thursday 5 December 20242 - 5pm4Thursday 5 December 20241 - 2pm

*  Induction training includes information on researcher responsibilities under the Animal Code and how to submit an application via PRIME.

Training and Assessment of Competency

The Training and Assessment Form is to be used where a participant in an AEC-approved project requires training in a procedure and that training is not provided by La Trobe Animal Research and Teaching Facility (LARTF) staff. The form should be completed by the person providing the training.

Download the Training and Assessment Form [DOC 50KB]

The Competency Assessment Form is to be used for attesting to the competence of a person to perform a procedure or procedures listed on a Training and Assessment Plan that forms part of an AEC-approved project. The person providing the competency assessment will normally be the trainer named in the Training and Assessment Plan.

Download the Competency Assessment Form [DOC 49KB]

Where a person has been assessed as competent by another institution to perform a procedure or procedures that will form part of an AEC-approved project at La Trobe University, a Confirmation of Competency Form can be completed and submitted with the application for review by the La Trobe University Animal Ethics Committee.

Download the AEC Confirmation of Competency Form [DOC48 KB]

The Statement of Competency to Perform Procedures Involving Animals form is to be completed by persons who have previously been recognised by the La Trobe University Animal Ethics Committee as competent to perform procedures on animals. Once competence in those procedures is confirmed by the AEC, the person will be verified as competent in the procedures on the LARTF Training and Competency Register (TRACR).

Download the AEC Statement of Competency Form [DOC49KB]

Animal Ethics Committee (AEC)

The Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) at La Trobe University is comprised of representatives from the University, welfare organisations and the community and serves the following licensed Scientific Procedures Premises:

The persons nominated under Section 26(2) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, to be responsible for any procedures carried out at the above-mentioned premises, are appointed by the Head of School/organisational unit. Read the AEC terms of reference (PDF 266KB)

Contact Us

All correspondence, enquiries and submissions should be addressed to Animal Ethics at animalethics@latrobe.edu.au.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Feedback and Complaints

For complaints or feedback about:

  • an approved project
  • the conduct of a researcher or LTU staff/student
  • the conduct of the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC)

Please contact the Senior Manager Ethics, Integrity and Biosafety

T: +61 3 9479 1443

E: animalethics@latrobe.edu.au

Legislation, Codes and Guidelines

Managing post-approval requirements

Submission through PRIME Ethics Researcher Portal

PRIME Ethics Researcher Portal has recently been released. What this means for you is a change in the way you submit and manage your ethics requests. To help with training and feedback please see below:

  1. Training opportunities:
  2. If you would like to book a time to discuss your needs and preferred option/s please contact the Ethics, Integrity and Biosafety Team:

Amendments to approved AEC projects

Amendments to AEC-approved projects can only be granted if the amendment is minor and there is no significant change to the direction of the study.

Amendments may include (1) a change in animal numbers, (2) change in procedures / techniques, (3) an addition / removal of investigators, (4) an extension of the study duration or (5) administrative changes. Please refer to Guidance on review and process of amendment requests (PDF 144KB) for more information.

How do I submit an amendment?

  1. Complete AEC Request for Amendment Form (DOC 60KB) (last updated 10.09.2020)
  2. Prepare a tracked and clean copy of all updated documents
  3. Log in to  PRIME Researcher portal to create a new amendment request:
    1. To find your ethics project click on “My Ethics Approvals” tile and select the Ethics Approval Number you wish to modify,
    2. At the top of the ethics record click the “down” arrow and click “Create Modification”
    3. Upload completed Request for Amendment form and updated documentation (including tracked and clean copies)
    4. In the progress bar at the top of the page select "Review by Research Office" and then click "Mark as Current Status" to the right.

Annual and final reports

Chief investigators must submit an annual report by the anniversary date of an AEC project approval and a final report within three (3) months of conclusion of an AEC-approved project

How do I submit an annual/final report?

  1. Download and complete the Annual Report Form (DOC 60KB) (last updated 10.09.2020) or Final Report Form (DOC 62KB) (last updated 10.09.2020)
  2. Log in to  PRIME Researcher portal to lodge an annual/final report:
    1. To find your ethics project click on “My Ethics Approvals” tile and select the Ethics Approval Number you wish to submit an annual or final report for,
    2. At the top of the ethics record click the “down” arrow and click “Create Annual Report” or “Create Final Report”
    3. Upload completed annual/final report
    4. In the progress bar select "Review by Research Office" and then click "Mark as Current Status" to the right.

Unexpected adverse events

Investigators are required by law to provide prompt notification of any unexpected adverse events, Clause 2.4.34 of the 8th Edition of the Code. It is a requirement that the Chief Investigator notify the AEC Chair and the LARTF Senior Manager immediately and submit an Unexpected Adverse Report Form as soon as practicable to the AEC.

How do I submit an Unexpected Adverse Event (UAE) report?

  1. Download and complete the Unexpected Adverse Event Report Form (DOC 53KB) (last updated 10.09.2020)
  2. Log in to  PRIME Researcher portal to lodge an UAE report:
    1. To find your ethics project click on “My Ethics Approvals” tile and select the Ethics Approval Number you wish to submit an UAE Report
    2. At the top of the ethics record click the “down” arrow and click “Create UAE/Safety Report”
    3. Upload completed UAE Report and any other relevant documentation
    4. In the progress bar select "Review by Research Office" and then click "Mark as Current Status" to the right.

FAQs and Guidelines

How do I submit a successful AEC application?

Review of applications before submission to AEC

In order to reduce the questions or concerns AEC may raise with you, the AEC encourages researchers to

  • Seek peer review of each application.
  • Seek review of each application by a person not associated with science to ensure your application can be understood.
  • Check all sections of the application to ensure animal numbers are consistent.
  • Check that each section of the application form has been addressed including correct box ticking where relevant.
Use of plain English
  • Researchers need to use plain English throughout their applications. This is particularly important in sections describing welfare burden on animal, in flow charts and timelines. The AEC encourages you to seek review of your application by a person not associated with science to improve use of plain English.
  • Always read through your applications, use spelling and grammar checkers where possible, and get others (particularly those named on the application) to read through and make corrections before submission.
Specific application sections
  • S1.6 -SOPs - Where do I find the link for the list of current SOPs?
  • La Trobe staff members can access the AEC approved SOP list from the Researcher Portal (PRIME) by clicking on the SOP & Phenotype report tile on the home page. This will tell you which SOPs and Phenotype reports are currently approved.
  • To create new SOP(s) or Phenotype Report, please use the AEC Standard Operating Procedures Template available on the on the AEC website. The AEC must approve animal-related SOPs before use. When updating SOPs it is recommended to include references to the Code section 3.3 Specific procedure and other relevant guidance.
  • s1.7 - Animal numbers – ensure your description of animal numbers is consistent throughout your application, particularly in s1.7, 2.5 [Reduction], 3.1 [General methodology] and in your timelines. This is a common error in applications.
  • Genetically modified mouse strains: consider using abbreviated names rather than the full description including all the genetic alterations
  • s1.7 - Animal numbers – Wildlife - When providing numbers for wildlife studies where animals are either only observed or captured quickly and for immediate release, supply over-estimated numbers or put “All species encountered”.
  • S1.8 - Source/s of Animals- For common strains, the AEC recommends specifying commercial suppliers and internally bred as sources.
  • Should potential by-catch be included in the numbers?
  • You should include specific comments about potential by-catch -  and possible endangered, threatened or sensitive species eg platypus. Any  incident related to by catch should be reported by submitting as unexpected adverse event reports and seeking amendments to ensure the incident does not reoccur.
  • s4 – Emergency procedures – if procedures are listed as emergency procedures eg euthanasia in section 6 to be carried out by investigators, they need to be identified specifically as a procedure in sections 4.4 consistent with section 6.
  • s4 – Monitoring – where relevant, use standard LARTF anaesthesia and surgical monitoring sheets. These forms are available from the LARTF intranet.
  • s4 - Relief from pain or inflammation - Whilst carprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is often listed, it can be in limited supply, so the AEC suggests you add the option of meloxicam, as an alternative NSAID. LARTF veterinarians can advise on dose / volume / rate
  • s4, s5.4, s5.5 - The AEC asks researchers to take care in the words and phrases used. The phrase ’euthanasia’ should be used where an animal has been assessed as reaching a humane endpoint or other significant welfare concerns arise. ‘Humane killing’ should be used when animals reach the project’s end point. When describing the fate of animals, do not use the words ‘sacrifice’ and ‘culling’.
  • s5 - Animal Housing – to allow flexibility in where animals are housed, please describe animal housing at the highest level e.g. LARTF housing approved in the SPPL appropriate to species, rather than describing specific rooms.

How do I ensure my application is appropriate for AEC review?

  • Ensure you download the AEC application form from the AEC website to ensure you are using the latest version.
  • All aspects of the application are correct and clear i.e. you say what you are going to do.
  • There are no discrepancies between sections of your application, particularly with respect to animal numbers, monitoring and timelines.
  • Plain English language is used throughout, to the extent possible.
  • A glossary is provided where scientific language is unavoidable and can be explained.
  • Easy to read and easy to understand protocol that describes the ‘whole life’ of the animals and addresses the impact of both individual procedures and the total welfare of the animal and the collective group.
  • Although not recommended, if used, ‘cut and paste’ from other applications must be relevant to the current proposal.
  • All sections are considered, boxes appropriately ticked, and information provided.
  • Approved and current SOPs are used, so AEC does not need to look through those aspects for every project.
  • Persons are LARTF-trained and competent in common procedures.
  • Expected Mortality Rate (EMR) is considered to reduce need to report UAEs. You should maintain a record to ensure EMR is not reached. This record should be made available to the AEC for monitoring and audit purpose.
  • For amendment requests, requested changes for variations should be added to all relevant sections of the original application - those changes must be highlighted or tracked changes should be used for applications in MS Word format.  If using asterisks, ensure asterisks for former variations are removed. Furthermore, when seeking amendments, update relevant information e.g. staff/students no longer associated with the project are removed.
  • When submitting an amendment request, resubmit any supporting documents including timelines or flow charts, monitoring sheets and any relevant documents attached as an appendix.
  • For researchers submitting Honours student projects it is recommended to submit these as early as possible, preferably by October/November prior to starting, or submit to the first meeting of the year.

What is the definition of an animal?

    The Code defines Animal as: any live non-human vertebrate (that is, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals encompassing domestic animals, purpose-bred animals, livestock, wildlife) and cephalopods (e.g. squid, octopus).

    The Code states that when embryos, foetuses and larval forms have progressed beyond half the gestation or incubation period of the relevant species, or they become capable of independent feeding, the potential for them to experience pain and distress should be taken into account. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act - In Part 3 of the Act, animal means

    • a live member of a vertebrate species including any
    1. fish or amphibian that is capable of self‑feeding; or
    2. reptile, bird or mammal, other than any human being or any reptile, bird or other mammal that is below the normal mid-point of gestation or incubation for the particular class of reptile, bird or mammal; or
    • a live adult decapod crustacean, that is a lobster or a crab or a crayfish
    • a live adult cephalopod including an octopus or a squid or a cuttlefish or a nautilus

    It is the view of the AEC that the relationship between pre- and post-flexion in fish and their ability to self-feed has not been clearly established. So, Researchers should justify inclusion of fish in protocols related to their self-feeding status, not their flexion development.

    The LTU AEC considers research involving embryos, foetuses and larval forms that have progressed beyond half the gestation or incubation period of the relevant species, or they become capable of independent feeding to be ‘animals’.

Do I need to separate my breeding applications from my experimental applications?

It is the view of the LTU AEC that breeding of animals should be in separate proposals to experimental use of animals, unless otherwise justified (e.g. only small numbers of breeding animals for limited time periods).

What is a minor amendment (that can be considered in between monthly AEC meetings)?

The AEC must approve amendments to AEC-approved projects before such amendments are put in place. The Code describes minor amendments that can be considered by an AEC Executive between monthly, formal, quorate AEC meetings.

The Australian Code is prescriptive in what can be considered a minor amendment that can be considered by an AEC Executive between formal and quorate AEC meetings. A minor amendment may include a change to an approved project or activity where the proposed change is not likely to cause harm to the animals, including pain and distress.

Animal Welfare Victoria provide examples of minor amendments:

  1. Examples included addition of suitably experienced personnel;
  2. minor changes to procedures: where “minor” is defined as any change that has little or no impact on the wellbeing of the animals involved in the project; for example, verifying dose rates for drugs, needle sizes, routes of administration where the impact to the animals is the same or less than originally approved;
  3. opportunistic diagnostic or veterinary activities intended to benefit the animals;
  4. re-activation of paused projects.

To this LTU AEC will also consider the following as minor amendments:

  1. removal of personnel;
  2. time extension (provided all approved activities still meet best practice / ethical standards);
  3. change to the number of animals required to ensure that results are statistically significant (for example, because planned breeding produced too few of a required strain) or to replace animals whose results cannot be included (perhaps as the result of an adverse event);
  4. performance of a procedure already approved for the project on one strain of animal to a different strain, provided the change of strain has no impact on the outcome of the procedure and that the new strains is covered under your IBC approval;
  5. addition of a new strain to a breeding application where no resultant changes are needed to the monitoring or to procedures that may need to be performed on the animals;
  6. addition of a new collaborator with appropriate competency records;
  7. update to the list of procedures to be performed by an investigator named on the project, where that investigator is listed on TRACR as competent in the additional procedure(s);
  8. any amendment that has been explicitly recommended by a quorate meeting of the AEC. An example of the last point would be where the AEC has considered an Adverse Event Report and recommended that specific changes be made to the project. Provided the Chief Investigator agrees to the changes, as specified by the AEC, the revised application may be approved by the AEC Executive;
  9. a person’s competence to perform a procedure where no exercise of judgement is required (for example, competency is confirmed by an authorized person at another institution or a trainer confirms that a person has met AEC-approved assessment criteria for the performance of a procedure). The following rules apply:
    1. Confirmation of competency assessments based on satisfactory completion of an AEC-approved Training & Assessment Plan do not need to be reviewed and approved by the AEC or AEC Executive.
    2. Confirmations of competency from another institution with its own AEC (received on the AEC-approved Confirmation of Competency form) do not need to be reviewed and approved by the AEC or AEC Executive.
    3. Competencies claimed by La Trobe staff and students and external personnel, other than those covered by 1 and 2 above, need to be reviewed and approved at an AEC and not by AE Executive.
    4. Approval of Training and Assessment Plans can be approved by the AEC Executive that includes a Category A member of the AEC when the pain and distress that may be experienced by the animals is minimal.
  10. Phenotype Reports may be approved by the AEC Executive, again expanded to include a Category A member of the AEC, where the phenotype requires no new measures to be introduced than have already been approved for the associated project(s).

What other documents are required for an amendment request?

When submitting a request for amendment, all the relevant documents must be provided including the revised application, timelines or flow diagram, monitoring sheet and any relevant documents (refer to ‘What additional documents need to be submitted to the AEC when submitting an application?').

What is an expected mortality rate?

Researchers are encouraged to clearly nominate an Expected Mortality Rate (EMR) usually linked to specific procedures or a specific phenotype that may be associated with specific adverse events. For AEC to consider an EMR, list the adverse events expected and rationale for the EMR you have proposed, If the AEC accepts the proposed EMR then researchers are responsible for monitoring the numbers of animals experiencing that AE (or group of AEs) in comparison to the total numbers approved in the protocol. Researchers, then, only need to report UAEs when that EMR is exceeded.

You should maintain a record to ensure EMR is not reached. This record should be made available to the AEC for monitoring and audit purpose.

Why do I need to supply annual and final reports and what happens to them?

Annual reports

Submitting annual reports is a condition of AEC approval. The AEC at its monthly meetings considers each annual report, checking on progress and animal numbers used. You may be notified if the AEC has concerns about your annual reports.

Final reports

Submitting a final report for each AEC-approved project is a condition of AEC approval. The AEC at its monthly meetings considers each final report, checking on your assessment of the success of the project and any issues encountered and the animal numbers used. You may be notified if the AEC has concerns about your final report.

What additional documents need to be submitted when submitting an application?

Where relevant the AEC expects the following additional documents:

  • Phenotype reports – either preliminary, in progress or final;
  • Training and Assessment Plans;
  • Competency records;
  • Research publications that support use or validate procedures used;
  • Clear timelines for each group of animals.

What should I consider if I intend to use privately owned animals?

Applications in which privately owned animals are to be used (including livestock, pets etc) will need to meet the conditions listed in s2.4.28 of the Code to:

  • ensure that all people involved in the care and use of such animals are aware of and accept their responsibilities relating to the animals
  • ensure that people responsible for the daily management of the animals during the project are familiar with and understand the Code, and are competent
  • provide the owner of the animal with a document, to be included in the application to the AEC, clearly stating the details and duration of the owner’s responsibilities. The owner should acknowledge their acceptance of these responsibilities in writing. A template letter is available under the template section.

Can honours students be primary contact?

Honours students are usually not considered as suitable to be primary contacts due to the significant amount of responsibilities. It is also not appropriate for long term projects. However, the AEC will consider justification if believed essential.

How do I add a new strain to a Breeding application?

The AEC will consider approving a ‘total’ number of animals (and not specifically per strain) in a breeding-specific application but new strains will need to be added through amendments, with an accompanying phenotype report, if appropriate.

Do I need to provide details for intermediate strains generated as part of my breeding strategy?

  • Ensure that your breeding strategy is outlined in the phenotype report of the final strain to be generated and list intermediate strain/s if any that will be generated as part of the breeding strategy.
  • Provide details for the best handling and monitoring of intermediate generations e.g. known or expected characteristics of the intermediate genetically modified animal strain (i.e., behavioural, physiological, reproductive and developmental characteristics and/or predisposition to disease) generated as part of the breeding strategy.

What does the AEC do during its meetings?

At each AEC meeting the AEC considers

  • New applications
  • Researcher responses to applications previously considered
  • Amendments to AEC-approved projects
  • Standard operating procedures
  • Phenotype reports
  • Adverse event reports and associated pathology reports
  • Incidents, protocol deviations and other suspected non-compliances
  • Emerging trends in animal welfare to improve AEC member learning and development
  • Presentations from invited researchers on issues of concern to AEC members
  • Outcomes of monitoring research and facilities

Meetings can last over 6 hours and involve review of over 1,000 pages of information.

What does the AEC consider in reviewing applications?

Is this project/activity ethically acceptable (and can therefore be approved)?

  • Has sufficient evidence and argument been provided, based on the scientific merit of the project, the ethical principles of the Code and sufficient justification of potential benefits to animals, humans or the environment and acceptable effects on animal welfare and well-being?
  • What answers to questions or clarifications are needed for further consideration about whether the project can be considered ethically acceptable?

If ethically acceptable and therefore ‘approvable’

  • Are there any conditions that the AEC needs to apply?
  • What answers to questions or clarifications are needed for the project to be formally approved?

So, when the AEC approves

  • It has thoroughly reviewed all aspects of the application.
  • It expects that you will conduct the research according to the AEC-approved application.
  • Any unexpected adverse events, non-compliances including protocol deviations are reported.

What happens when I am co-investigator on a project that does not involve LTU premises or animals on premises?

You must notify the AEC and provide your approval documents. This can be done by submitting your documents through PRIME by following the steps below:

  1. Log in to  PRIME Researcher portal to create a new Externally Approved Application:
  2. Under Ethics Applications, click “+ New Externally Approved Application”
  3. Add all researcher personnel
  4. Upload all completed forms and study documentation (as separate documents)
  5. Click on “Submit to Research Office”

The Code (s2.4.9) states that Investigators must notify the AEC in writing if they are involved in collaborative studies using animals at another institution, or if they are named in an application to the AEC of another institution. The AEC will formally ‘note’ your notification at their next meeting.

Do I need approval for Human-focused research involving animals?

On a case-by-case basis the AEC considers the involvement of animals in human-focused research. Until we know the particulars of each case, it is uncertain whether AEC approval is needed or otherwise. The AEC will consider potential impacts on animals outside of their normal life.

What do I need to consider for AEC approval of revised SOPs?

When submitting SOPs for AEC approval submit with ‘tracked changes’ from the previous version to enable AEC to view what changes are proposed. It is also recommended to the Code section 3.3 for Specific procedure and other relevant guidance.

Do I need to submit a fieldwork notification?

The Victorian government advised in early 2020 that there is now no requirement for Victorian institutions with AECs to submit fieldwork notifications to Animal Welfare Victoria.

Interstate based AECs approving projects to be conducted in Victoria are still required to submit fieldwork notifications.

Which procedures / training are offered by LARTF?

Please refer to the LARTF website.

How can I attest competency?

  • If you claim to be appropriate to train in a technique or procedure in a Training and Assessment Plan: The proposed trainer should provide evidence that they are recognised as being competent in that technique and that they have performed the technique at least 20 times in the past three years. This could be by reference to AEC-approved projects in which they have performed the technique. As an alternative, outline the basis of your claim that you are competent to train in this technique.
  • If you are attesting to the competency of another person to perform a technique or procedure: A person attesting to someone’s competency must themselves be competent in that technique, have performed the technique at least 20 times in the past three years and have observed the person performing that technique at least 5 times under supervision. As an alternative, outline the basis of your claim that you are suitable to attest to this person’s competency.

How many amendments can I have before it is considered a new project?

What should be considered is not necessarily the number of amendment but rather whether the amendment requests are covered under the initial aim/s of the project.

What do the AEC look for when monitoring research, laboratories and facilities? Do I need to supply information for inspections?

Monitoring inspections may include examination of:

  • animal holding facilities;
  • animal health and welfare;
  • research procedures;
  • animal identification and care records;
  • research records.

You may be asked to supply information or attend meetings related to AEC inspections of laboratories, facilities or research.

Do all researchers and students need to attend LTU animal ethics induction sessions? When are these held? What does the AEC consider in reviewing applications?

All researchers and student are required to attend LTU animal ethics induction sessions. If you require an induction session please email your request for a session to animalethics@latrobe.edu.au.

LARTF standard drug doses and dilutions

Do I have to specify the species in my project title?

Where possible, the AEC recommends specifying the species within the project title.

Do I have to provide information about the type of the project?

Yes, the AEC appreciates information that provides context to the projects.

e.g. if it is an Honours project; or a long-term project that carries on from approved Project AECxxxxx etc.