The Alfred Research Alliance is currently seeking expressions of interest for membership of the Animal Ethics Committee A (AEC A).

There are two AEC in operation on this campus (AEC A and AEC B). Each committee meets on a monthly basis. This allows investigators two submission opportunities for new experimental applications each month. A sitting fee is paid for attendance of each meeting.

The AEC reviews applications to use animals for scientific purposes from investigators from Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Monash University Central Clinical School, Burnet Institute and The Alfred hospital. The Alfred Research Alliance AECs report to the institutions via the Animal Ethics Governance and Policy (GAP) Committee .

The primary function of the AEC is to ensure, on behalf of the Alfred Research Alliance institutions, that all use and care of animals is conducted in compliance with the Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes and the prevention of cruelty to animals act and associated regulations. The AEC:

• Approves and reviews guidelines for the care of animals that are bred, held and used for scientific or teaching purposes
• Assesses proposals for ethics approval
• Reviews annual and final reports on activities associated with the use of animals
• Monitors the acquisition, transportation, production, housing, care, use and fate of animals involved in approved projects
• Conducts inspections and monitors activities and record keeping of projects approved by the AEC
• Makes recommendations to the GAP Committee on measures needed to ensure that all requirements of the Australian code and legislation are met
• Facilitates ongoing education of AEC members
• Reports at least annually to the GAP Committee and the licences holders at the Alfred research alliance on its activities

Membership with the AEC is in accordance with the Australian Code (Section 2.2.2), and includes a separate person appointed to each of the following categories:

• Category A: a person with qualifications in veterinary science and with experience relevant to the activities of the institution
• Category B: a suitably qualified 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, and who is not involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes
• Category D: an independent person (lay person) who has never been involved in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities

Attendance is required from all four categories for the AEC to be quorate.

For further information, please contact:

Alana Mitchell
Chair, Animal Ethics Committee
[email protected], using the subject line: Animal Ethics Committee A Membership enquiry via EthicalJobs.

An EOI is attached.