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For AEC members

Resources and information for animal ethics committee members

The primary responsibility of Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) is to ensure that the use of animals for research and teaching activities at the University is conducted in compliance with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th Edition (2013) (the Code). AECs apply a set of principles that govern the ethical conduct of people whose work involves the use of animals for scientific purposes. The role of the AECs is to ensure that the use of animals is justified, provides for the welfare of those animals, and incorporates the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs).

The University of Melbourne AECs consider applications in the areas of:

  • Anatomy & Neuroscience, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Physiology
  • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dental Science, Medicine, Microbiology & Immunology, and Surgery
  • Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences
  • Other fields of science, including Zoology and Biosciences
  • Joining an Animal Ethics Committee

    Find out if you're eligible to join one of the University's AECs, what the role involves, and the benefits you will receive

  • AEC member resources

    Find out how to optimise your contribution to the AEC