Training for members of animal ethics committees

Biosecurity Queensland conducts free training workshops for animal ethics committee (AEC) members.

The training runs for most of the day and provides participants with an overview of animal ethics, AEC membership requirements, and how to conduct a meeting and assess proposals. The training provides valuable information for existing and new AEC members.

The training is not restricted to AEC members. Other interested staff, such as investigators, project leaders, and animal facility managers and staff, often attend the training to get a better appreciation of how the AEC functions.

Numbers for each training session are restricted to 15 participants.

The training is generally conducted in Brisbane, but regional training can be arranged if there is sufficient demand.

Typical training course program

• 9am start
• Welcome and introductory activity
• Summary of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, Animal Care and Protection Regulation 2003 and legal obligations
• Timeline for animal welfare and ethics - group work
• The difference between animal welfare and animal ethics - group work
• What are the 3 Rs? - group work
• Roles of AEC category members
• Assessing an application - group work
• Afternoon tea
• Conducting an AEC meeting - includes video
• Evaluation
• Review
• Feedback
• 4pm close

There is no cost to attendees and all necessary materials are supplied.

For further information about the training program, phone 13 25 23 and ask for Biosecurity Queensland's animal ethics policy unit.