GUIDE TO COMPLETING THE CDU AEC PROJECT APPLICATION - Version 1.2 - July 2025

Sep 15, 2026

This guide explains how researchers and coordinators must complete the CDU AEC Project Application when using animals in research or teaching. It outlines compliance with NHMRC (2013) standards and relevant Northern Territory and state animal protection legislation, including approval requirements before any animal-based work begins. The guide details governing principles, emphasizes clear description of animal procedures and wellbeing, provides instructions for selecting the correct application form (including wildlife vs non-wildlife), and specifies submission timing and supporting documents such as the AEC Animal Usage Spreadsheet.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages37

Reading Time1 h 33 min

AccessFree to download

General Information

Application Forms

Completing the Application Form

Submission Procedures

AEC Review

T: 08 8946 6498 M: [animalethics@cdu.edu.au](animalethics@cdu.edu.au) W: [cdu.edu.au](cdu.edu.au) GUIDE TO COMPLETING THE CDU AEC PROJECT APPLICATION General Information All researchers must be compliant with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) (2013) Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (the Code) and the Northern Territory (NT) Animal Protection Act and Regulations (and/or corresponding legislation in each State) which regulates using animals in research and teaching. Under the NTAnimal Protection Act, approval by an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) is required for the use of animals for research and teaching. Do not obtain any animals or commence animal-based work of any kind without approval from an AEC. The Code’s governing principles are that decisions and actions involving the care and use of animals for scientific purposes are based on the respect for animals, demonstrated by: • Using animals only when justified • Supporting the wellbeing of the animals • Avoiding or minimising harm, including pain and distress • Applying high standards of scientific integrity • Applying the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) at all stages of animal care and use • Knowing and accepting one’s responsibilities It is important to consider these principles when designing and carrying out projects. In assessing applications, it is often difficult for the AEC to obtain a clear “picture” of what happens to individual animals from the beginning to the end of the project. The AEC must assess the impact of all procedures and the project as a whole on the animal’s wellbeing. The application should therefore focus on what is happening to animals and what is being done to ensure their wellbeing. It is important that this information is presented in a way that makes it clear what is happening to individual animals from the beginning to the completion of the project. Flow charts or sequence of events tables and images are often of assistance. It is important for applicants to remember the composition of the AEC. Avoid unnecessary scientific terminology and use plain English for the application. The AEC includes lay members from a range of different backgrounds. The use of specialist language is not helpful to the AEC and may delay the processing of an application while explanations are sought. Application Forms The CDU AEC Project Application forms are to be downloaded from the CDU Animal Welfare and Ethics website. This will ensure that you are using the current version of the form. The AEC will not accept applications on old versions of the form. Be sure to use the correct application form as there are two: 1) AEC Project Application Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes T: 08 8946 6498 M: [animalethics@cdu.edu.au](animalethics@cdu.edu.au) W: [cdu.edu.au](cdu.edu.au)[ ](cdu.edu.au)[To be used by all Investigators undertaking work using animals other than wildlife including:](To be used by all Investigators undertaking work using animals other than wildlife including:) • Researchers applying for, or seeking renewal of, ethics approval in order to undertake research involving the use of animals other than wildlife; and • Coordinators of units with teaching activities which involve the use or care of animals other than wildlife. 2) AEC Project Application Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes WILDLIFE To be used by all Investigators undertaking work using wildlife including: • Researchers applying for, or seeking renewal of, ethics approval in order to undertake research involving the use of wildlife; • Coordinators of units with teaching activities which involve the use or care of wildlife. You will also need to download the ‘AEC Animal Usage Spreadsheet’ from the website. This is required for Question 3.1 in both of the above application forms. This template must be used, alternate spreadsheets will not be accepted. Completing the A

FAQs

Who needs to obtain approval from the CDU Animal Ethics Committee (AEC)?

Approval by an AEC is required for the use of animals for research and teaching. Do not obtain animals or start animal-based work without that approval.

What governing principles must guide decisions and actions in the project?

The Code’s principles require respect for animals, justification of use, support of animal wellbeing, minimising harm including pain and distress, applying high scientific integrity standards, and using the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) throughout the project.

Which application form should be used for wildlife versus non-wildlife work?

Use the non-wildlife form for animals other than wildlife, and use the wildlife form for work involving wildlife. The guide also notes that the AEC Animal Usage Spreadsheet template is required for Question 3.1 in both forms.

Sep 15, 2026

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