Progress reporting

To maintain accreditation, the Animal Code requires consistent reporting.

The Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) can approve research projects for up to three (3) years, but the authority to use animals is only valid for one (1) year.

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

It is your responsibility to ensure these reports are submitted on time. You should check the dates of approval against AEC meeting and submission dates. If your approved project does not proceed, you'll still 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. You'll need to identify what change is needed for each project, this includes personnel changes. You must submit a Project Modification form to the next AEC meeting.

Unexpected adverse events/ impacts

If you do not have foreshadowed adverse events in your AEC application or if they were not approved, then all adverse events will be treated as unexpected and must be reported promptly. You must complete the Unexpected Adverse Event Report and email it to animalethics@csu.edu.au.

It is important to note that all adverse events, whether foreshadowed or unexpected, must be reported in the annual and end-of-project reports. In addition, all animal outcomes must be reported in the statistics for each state where the projects were carried out. Ongoing animal monitoring and record keeping is essential as well as scrutiny as to whether an event is classified as unexpected to ensure the wellbeing of animals is supported.

For more information on Adverse events, reporting, necropsy requirements or incorporating expected adverse events into your application refer to the Charles Sturt Guidelines on Adverse Events or contact the Animal Welfare Officer.

End of project reporting

The Chief Investigator must submit an end-of-project report to the AEC on completion of the project. The report must address whether the original aims of the work were met, how many animals were used and any unexpected events.