Amendments to an animal ethics application

Changes to the protocol can only come into effect after approval by the AEC. Be aware that obtaining approval for an amendment may take several days to weeks, depending on the nature of the requested change and on when the next AEC meeting will take place.

Minor changes may be considered by the chair of the AEC, but most changes will require consideration by the whole AEC at the next meeting. Significant changes to the protocol – including a change of the aim of the project – require a new submission.

To apply for an amendment approval from the AEC, make a submission as instructed below.

Applications for changes to the approved protocol

Submissions of amendment requests or changes of personnel can be submitted online.

• User guide for electronic submission: Ethics RM guides (Research Management Library SharePoint)
• Ethics RM

Addition of personnel

Addition of personnel requests will be processed as soon as possible and do not require consideration by the whole AEC. However, approval of an addition of personnel will be conditional on the new person completing the compulsory training modules if they have not already done so.

Change of the principal investigator

If the principal investigator resigns, the investigator who is currently responsible for the protocol needs to submit an amendment request in Ethics RM to request the replacement of the PI, together with a written progress report of the project (such as: numbers used to date, staff changes, outcomes so far).

The amendment request needs to be signed by the resigning PI and the new PI, requesting transfer of responsibility. This is considered a major amendment and needs to be considered at an AEC meeting.

Increase in animal numbers and/or variance to approved protocol

Any increase in the number of animals used, or any modification or addition of manipulations, requires prior approval by the AEC. If required, discuss the change in protocol with the animal facility first to ensure that the amended protocol can be facilitated.

Extension of time

Most protocols are approved for three years, and extensions to the approval period are not encouraged. In extenuating circumstances (e.g. a late start due to slow recruitment of staff or securing of funding), the AEC will consider a brief extension if this enables the work to be completed.

Animal Ethics Committee
Email: animalethics@auckland.ac.nz