Animal Ethics Committee
QIMR Berghofer is committed to the ethical care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
The Council of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research has established the QIMR Berghofer Animal Ethics Committee (QIMR Berghofer AEC) to ensure compliance of regulatory requirements by students and staff in research involving animals.
The QIMR Berghofer AEC conducts animal facility inspection annually in accordance with the Code and provides annual reports to the Institute as well as to the regulator, QLD Primary Industries and Fisheries. The QIMR Berghofer AEC is also assisted by the Animal Scientific Sub-Committee which provides advice on scientific/technical assessment and evaluation of research protocols.
The QIMR Berghofer AEC includes internal Institute staff and external members of the general public. The current AEC membership covers all categories of representation, as prescribed in Clauses 2.2.2-2.2.8 of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, 8th edition, 2013 (known as the Code).
The committee meets nine times per year to consider applications. The AEC Secretariat inform Principal Investigators of the outcome of the meeting as soon as practicable and provide feedback on any concerns raised during the meeting as required.
Additionally, as per Section 2.2.23 of the Code, the AEC Executive reviews minor modifications approximately one a week. The AEC Executive cannot review or approve new applications.
The QIMR Berghofer AEC operates in accordance with the following standards:
- Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, 2013
- Queensland Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 – Current as at 1 July 2016
- Queensland Animal Care and Protection Regulation 2023
- Registration of persons using animals for scientific purposes and teaching (Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries)
The Institute follows best practices in carrying out animal procedures as set out in standard operating procedures developed by the Animal Facility.
Important AEC reference documents
Questions relating to Animal Research activity at QIMR Berghofer should be directed to the AEC Secretary
T: +61 7 3362 0259
F: +61 7 3362 0109
E: aec@qimrb.edu.au
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Research Governance
At QIMR Berghofer, we pride ourselves on research that is conducted responsibly, safely, ethically, and to the highest scientific standards, ensuring it meets all regulatory and legal requirements.
Human Research Ethics Committee
All human research carried out at QIMR Berghofer requires an adherence to the appropriate state, national and international legislation, regulations, and guidelines. QIMR Berghofer HREC has been formed to assist investigators meet these requirements.
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QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading medical research institute, renowned for our efforts in both discovery and real patient outcomes.