The AEC operates in accordance with the NSW Animal Research Act (1985), Animal Research Regulation (2010) and the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (8th Edition 2013).
If you intend to conduct research at the Kearns Facility, your new submission or amendment MUST be discussed with the Animal House Manager at least two weeks prior to the meeting closing dates (per the submission deadlines).
Click here for AEC submission deadlines and meeting dates.
Standard forms for AEC submissions are available here. The use of these forms/templates is mandatory for all submissions to the Committee.
Please contact the Governance and Compliance Team, if you require assistance or further guidance regarding a submission to the AEC.
Information regarding Standard Operating Procedures
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), developed by the Kearns Facility and endorsed by the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC), are now available (as of March 2016). Researchers undertaking work in the Kearns Facility may now simply refer to the SOPs in their applications to the AEC, rather than describing standard procedures in detail. It is hoped that this will increase consistency in applications, reduce queries, and make it easier for researchers to complete their submissions to the AEC.
If Kearns Facility Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are being used for any procedures undertaken as part of an animal project it is sufficient to state this in the application for, for example:
“IP injections will be carried out as per Kearns Facility SOP #4,
CO2 euthanasia will be conducted as per Kearns Facility SOP #2”
Where there is ANY deviation from the SOPs for any standard procedures, this must be clearly described in the application form, and the rationale for not adhering to the SOP must be provided.
All members of the Kearns Facility Users’ Group have been emailed a copy of the SOPs, and they are also available on request from the Kearns Facility and from the Research Office.
Guidance for submitting your application - Ethical Principles for Animal Research
Coming soon:
Kearns Facility Information for Course Coordinators
Risk Assessment - Projects Involving Carcinogenic or Highly Toxic Substances
Advice From Pharmaceuticals Board NSW
Gore Hill Research Laboratories Procedure Manual
