Animal Ethics Committee
The role of the PIRSA AEC is to ensure that the use of animals for scientific purposes by our personnel or collaborators is justified and provides for the welfare of the animals.
It must incorporate the '3Rs' of the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.
Scientific purposes include all activities conducted with the aim of acquiring, developing, or demonstrating knowledge or techniques in all areas of science. This may involve:
- teaching
- field trials
- environmental studies
- research (such as the creation and breeding of a new animal line where the impact on animal wellbeing is unknown or uncertain)
- diagnosis
- product testing
- the production of biological products.
See our terms of reference for more information about the committee's roles and responsibilities.
Committee membership
Each of the below membership categories must have at least 2 members.
Category A – a person with:
- qualifications in veterinary science
- experience relevant to the activities of the institution (or in special circumstances, a person with comparable qualifications and experience).
Category B – a person with substantial recent experience in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities.
Category C – a person:
- with demonstrable commitment to, and established experience in, furthering the welfare of animals
- who is not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution
- who is not involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes
- selected on the basis of active membership of, and nomination by, an animal welfare organisation (where possible).
Category D – an independent person who:
- does not currently, and has not previously, conducted scientific or teaching activities using animals
- is not an employee of the institution, except under defined circumstances.
Category E – a person responsible for the daily care of animals within the institution.
Join the Animal Ethics Committee
Expressions of interest are sought from SA residents who want to contribute to good animal welfare and teaching outcomes where the use of animals is involved through the work of the Animals Ethics Committee.
PIRSA AEC membership is a 2-year term. Members are required to:
- Read new research applications and amendments for discussion and approval at meetings.
- Review adverse events and standard operating procedures.
- Attend site inspections.
The committee sits once every 2 months, usually at Roseworthy College. Members receive a sitting fee of $150, plus travel expenses per meeting.
Contact us to apply, including your CV in the email.
