UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE

ANIMAL ETHICS COMMITTEE MEMBER (Layperson)

The University of Newcastle has an independent Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) which oversees the care and welfare of animals used in research and teaching. The AEC is made up of both academic members from the University and people representing a cross section of the community (e.g. lay people, veterinary scientists, animal welfare representatives). We currently have vacancies on the University’s AEC for community members as follows:

(i) Persons with demonstrable commitment to, and established experience in, furthering the welfare of animals, who is not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution, and who is not currently involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. Veterinarians with specific animal welfare interest and experience may meet the requirements of this category. While not representing an animal welfare organisation, the person should, where possible, be selected based on active membership of, and endorsement by, such an organisation.

(ii) Persons not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution and who has never been involved in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities, either in their employment or beyond their undergraduate education. These members should be viewed by the wider community as bringing a completely independent view to the AEC and must not fit the requirements of any other category.

(iii) University of Newcastle is seeking to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation on the Animal Ethics Committee. We welcome expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who can contribute cultural knowledge, community perspectives, and informed input to the Committee's ethical review and decision-making processes. Applicants are not required to have prior experience in animal ethics or animal research. We encourage interest from individuals with experience in community leadership, cultural engagement, education, health, research, environmental management, or other relevant fields, who are committed to supporting the responsible and ethical conduct of research and teaching activities involving animals.

Members would be appointed to the AEC for a two-year term. This is a voluntary role with a small honorarium paid to support meeting attendance. This position would suit someone who has flexible working arrangements, works part time or is retired. There are 11 meetings a year, generally held the fourth Friday of the month, at Callaghan campus. Morning tea and parking will be provided on meeting days. Meetings are held from 8.30am – 11.30am (approximately) depending on the number of agenda items. Although it is preferred that you attend in person, video conferencing is available via Zoom.

No prior experience in animal ethics is required but basic computer skills are desirable. Training through an online induction process is compulsory and members would need to familiarise themselves with the Australian Code for the Care and use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. Members are provided with ongoing support from the animal ethics team.

Your Responsibilities:

• Provide an independent and objective perspective for the ethical review of applications concerning the care and use of animals.

• Participate in discussions during committee meetings to help reach a consensus on proposals that are ethically acceptable and meet the Code's requirements.

• Occasionally serve on the Executive Committee to review submissions for projects that do not require full AEC review, allowing for out-of-session approvals.

• Participate in routine inspections of facilities or properties accredited as animal research establishments.