Managing Approved Projects

Scheduled Reporting

The Code requires consistent reporting to ensure continued accreditation.

The AEC can approve research projects for up to three years.

The authority to use animals is only valid for one year.

You must submit either a request for continuation or an end of project report. You must do this before the anniversary of the project approval.

It is your responsibility to submit the reports on time. You should check the dates of approval against AEC meeting and submission dates.

If you gain approval for your project but it does not proceed, you will need to submit an end of project report.

Changes to an Approved Project

You must notify the AEC immediately if you need to make changes to the project. This includes changes in personnel. You must submit a Project Modification form to the next AEC meeting. You must identify what you need to change for each individual project.

Unexpected adverse events/ impacts

The Code defines an ‘Adverse Event’ as: any event that has negative impact on the wellbeing of an animal.

An ‘Unexpected Adverse Event’ is an adverse event that was not foreshadowed.

An unexpected adverse event may result from different causes including but not limited to:

  • death of an animal, or group of animals, that was not expected (e.g. during surgery or anaesthesia, or after a procedure or treatment)
  • adverse effects following a procedure or treatment that were not expected
  • adverse effects in a larger number of animals than predicted during the planning of the project or activity, based on the number of animals actually used, not the number approved for the study
  • a greater level of pain or distress than was predicted during the planning of the project or activity
  • power failures, inclement weather, emergency situations or other factors external to the project or activity that have a negative impact on the welfare of the animals.

You must address unanticipated pain and distress. This must take precedence even if it means removing the animal from the project. It must also take precedence over continuing or completing the project.

If necessary, animals must be euthanised without delay.

You must provide notification of unexpected adverse events. You should notify at least one of the following:

  • the Animal Welfare Officer
  • the AEC Secretary

and you must submit an Unexpected Adverse Event Report form.

You must also include unexpected adverse events in the following: