Values and principles

We are committed to protecting the welfare of animals, and respect the contribution they make to research and teaching. Our research is underpinned by three principles set out in the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes:

• Replacement of animals with other methods. Using animals must be justified, taking into account the scientific or educational benefit and potential effects on animals.  
• Reduction in the number of animals used in projects.  
• Refinement of techniques used to avoid pain and distress and reduce the adverse impact on animals. This includes designing and managing the housing and care of animals in way that meets their behavioural and biological needs.

These principles guide design, conduct and review of all projects involving interactions with animals for scientific purposes. This includes research, teaching, field trials, product testing, diagnosis, the production of biological products and environmental studies. Researchers and research students must ensure an animal's physical and psychological state is continually monitored, and their biological function and behavioural response to their environment is used to help determine how they are coping and feeling. 

Approval and review process

The VU Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee (VUAEEC) ensures all research projects and educational activities that use animals are conducted ethically. The primary responsibility of each committee member is to protect  the welfare and quality of life of animals used in teaching and research.

The VUAEEC operates under Terms of Reference designed to give effect to the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes and Commonwealth and State laws.

The VUAEEC meets regularly to review and monitor emerging ethical issues and ensure relevant scholarly and scientific standards are met. The VUAEEC is made up of:

• a Chairperson
• an expert with recent experience in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities
• an expert with qualifications and relevant experience in veterinary science
• an individual with active membership of, and nomination by, an animal welfare organisation but not employed by or otherwise associated with VU or involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes
• an individual with no affiliation to VU who has not been involved in scientific or teaching activities that use animals

Contact us

If you would like further information about the conduct of research or animal research ethics approval and review process, contact the Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee Secretary.

Secretary
Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee
Phone: +61 3 9919 4461
Email: aeec@vu.edu.au

Mail to:
Secretary
Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee
Victoria University
Office for Research
PO Box 14428 Melbourne
Victoria 8001
AUSTRALIA