The University of Tasmania Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) has been established under Tasmanian legislation, to oversee the care and use of animals in research and teaching at the University of Tasmania. University staff and students must obtain approval from the Committee if they wish to carry out ANY investigation that involves vertebrate animals or cephalopods which are alive or which are to be killed specifically for the investigation. Approval must be obtained for both research projects and teaching exercises.
The primary role of the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC), is to ensure that all animal care and use conducted by the University of Tasmania is done in accordance with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for the Scientific Purposes - 8th Edition 2013 and incorporates the 3R principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement. The signed UTAS submission for revisions to the document which was drawn up by the animal ethics committee in collaboration with researchers and other staff at UTAS is also available.
For further information in relation to animal welfare or emergencies relating to your animal research email the Animal Welfare Officer, or phone +61 3 6226 7491 (Mobile:0499 455 188)
The Responsible Conduct of Research and the Research Ethics policies of the University of Tasmania set out basic requirements for animal use at UTAS and establish the requirements for UTAS personnel to comply with the Australia Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, the Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes and associated State & Federal legislation, such as the Animal Welfare Act of Tasmania.
From time to time, concerns may be raised relating to an aspect of animal care or use at the University of Tasmania or to the decisions taken by the UTAS Animal Ethics Committee. Concerns should be raised in good faith and should relate to the regulatory or legislative framework under which animal use is approved and conducted at UTAS.
Concerns or complaints will be handled respectfully and promptly and in accordance with the Research Ethics Non-Compliance and Grievance Procedure (available from the Manager, details below). Concerns should be directed, in the first instance, to the Manager, Research Integrity & Ethics at:
Nicola.Hodgman@utas.edu.au
Or by phone + 61 3 6226 7479 or by mail to Private Bag 01, UTAS, Hobart, Tas 7001
All UTAS researchers who may use animals in their research should have read and understood the: Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (2013, 8th Edition) before beginning their project.
