Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) Membership

Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) Membership

• 90 Sippy Downs Drive, UniSC Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia, 4556
• Professional
• Casual

The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is seeking Animal Ethics Committee members. The AEC assists the university to respect and protect the welfare of animals used for scientific purposes, to minimise harm or unjust use of animals, and to ensure the use of animals has scientific or educational merit. Committee members are required to read and review applications and to consider the ethical implications against the criteria set out in the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (8th edition 2013) (the Code) and University policy.

The AEC is comprised of members from the following categories:

Category A (veterinarian): a person with veterinary science qualifications that are recognised for registration as a veterinary surgeon in Australia, and with experience relevant to the activities of the institution, or the ability to acquire relevant knowledge.

Category B (researcher): a person with substantial and recent experience in the use of animals for scientific purposes relevant to the institution and the business of the AEC. This must include possession of a higher degree in research or equivalent experience. Applications are welcomed from both internal and external researchers.

Category C (animal welfare): 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 currently involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. Veterinarians with specific animal welfare interest and experience may meet the requirements of this category. While not representing an animal welfare organisation, the person should, where possible, be an active member of or nominated by such and organisation. In Queensland, a person meets the criteria for 'demonstrable commitment to, and established experience in, furthering the welfare of animals' if they can show they are a registered wildlife carer, RSPCA inspector, or member of, or advocate for, a recognised animal welfare/advocate group. A history of meeting animal welfare requirements as part of an industry, professional or commercial responsibility or through animal ownership does not satisfy the ‘welfare criteria’.

Category D (independent): a person not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution and who has never been involved in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities, either in their employment or beyond their undergraduate education. Category D members should be viewed by the wider community as bringing a completely independent view to the AEC, and must not fit the requirements of any other category (e.g., vet, researcher, animal welfare representative as defined in section 2.2.4 of the Code.

AEC member duties

• Read and review ethics applications to:
• consider the ethical implications of proposed research projects on animals,
• determine if the research projects meet the values, principles, and criteria set out in the Code.
• ensure adherence of research proposals t_o_ university policy.
• Prepare for, attend, and contribute to the discussion at scheduled AEC meetings, or, if unavailable, provide feedback on ethics applications before meetings.
• Undertake training and professional development as requested or recommended
• Monitor research projects until completion to ensure compliance with approved ethical standards.
• To promote effective communication between the AEC, researchers, and the institution.

Qualifications and personal attributes required

• Qualifications as required for the relevant membership category (described above) as per the Code_.
• Effective decision-making skills
• Ability to review complex documents against legislative standards
• High standards of integrity and professionalism
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to interpret policy and legislation and apply it sensibly

Training

• The appointed member will be provided induction training and other relevant training as it arises. 
• Members may be given the opportunity to attend training workshops relevant to the work and responsibilities of the committee.

Time commitment and attendance requirements

• Membership appointments are made for a three-year term and may be extended upon approval from the DVC (R&I).
• The committee meets six times per year on Tuesday mornings. Meetings begin at 10.00am and run for approximately two hours.
• Time required to review proposals will vary for each meeting depending on the number and nature of proposals submitted.
• Agendas and papers are normally circulated 10-12 days prior to the meeting.
• Members are asked to contribute to an online feedback form on the AEC collaboration site ahead of the meeting.

 Location of work

• Committee agendas and applications are distributed electronically.
• Committee meetings are held at the University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556. Meetings may be held via zoom if required. The option to join via teams is available at each meeting for members who live or work remotely.

Benefits

• Members who are not UniSC staff are paid a $200 sitting fee per meeting for meetings where they contribute to the online feedback process and attend in full.
• Members help to advance leading-edge research in an important and practical way by bringing a range of independent views to the committee.
• Members also gain an understanding of the broad range of research activities that are undertaken by the University.

If you would like further information, please contact:

AEC Secretary

UniSC Office of Research

Email: animalethics@usc.edu.au or phone: 07 5459 4574

We encourage early expressions of interest, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the process will close once suitable members have been identified.