Skip to main content

Animal Research Ethics

At SIDC, we are committed to advancing scientific knowledge while upholding the highest ethical standards in animal research.

 

We adhere to rigorous protocols and guidelines to safeguard the welfare and rights of all animals involved. Our dedicated team of researchers, veterinarians, and ethics experts ensures that every study is conducted with the utmost respect, care, and consideration for the animals involved.

All animal and human research activities conducted under SIDC must adhere to ethical standards, legal requirements, and policies pertaining to animal and human welfare, respectively. The SJREC assesses research proposals, grants approvals, and monitors the progress of authorised animal and human research projects. Furthermore, it offers guidance to researchers and institutions, ensuring the ethical treatment of animals and humans in scientific and educational pursuits.

All complete and fully-endorsed applications must be submitted to SJREC through [email protected].

Reach out to SJREC via email for the following documents:

APPLICATION FORM

  1. SIDC Animal Research Ethics Application Form

OTHER DOCUMENTS

  1. SIDC Animal Research Ethics Change Form (for amendments)
  2. Licence to Use Animals for Scientific Research Notification For

GUIDELINES AND STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP)

  1. Animal Research Guidelines for Researchers
  2. Managing Approved Projects
    • Amendment
      The Animal Ethics Amendment Form is a document used to request changes or updates to an approved animal research protocol. Researchers are required to notify the SJREC of any proposed alterations to the project via email at [email protected]. SJREC will then advise on the formalities pertaining to the amendment. The researchers must describe the nature of the proposed changes, the rationale behind them, and any potential impacts on animal welfare or research outcomes.Any alteration to a project approved by the SJREC will be considered only if it is minor and does not substantially alter the study’s direction. Such modifications may entail adjustments in animal numbers, slight alterations in procedures or techniques, inclusion or exclusion of investigators, or an extension of the study duration.The completed form will be subjected to SJREC’s review and approval. This ensures that all modifications to the research protocol adhere to ethical standards and regulatory requirements governing animal research.

 

    • Annual Progress
      Researchers are required to submit an annual progress report to update the SJREC on the status of their project. Any changes made to the animal research protocol, updates on the welfare of animals involved, any adverse events or incidents, and progress towards meeting research objectives must be reported to SJREC. This reporting requirement ensures ongoing ethical oversight and transparency in animal research endeavours.

 

    • Project Closure
      The project must be formally closed through the submission of a project closure report to the SJREC within 30 days following the conclusion of the study.
      The closure report can be submitted even if the publications or thesis are still in progress, provided that no further utilisation of animals and associated tissues is planned as part of the research project.

 

    • Adverse Incident
      An adverse event refers to any occurrence not foreseen in an approved animal research project that affects the welfare of one or more animals. Such events can occur singly or cumulatively and may involve unanticipated death, injury, or illness. This includes:

      1. An animal housed in a holding facility develops an unforeseen illness or disease.
      2. An animal in a laboratory exhibits unexpected adverse clinical signs contrary to expectations.
      3. A wild animal becomes injured or perishes during the process of being captured for fieldwork.

      The lead investigator of the approved animal research project is required to submit an adverse incident form via email. Details such as the type and quantity of animals affected, the circumstances surrounding the event, the impact on the animals, and a chronological sequence of events must be included in the report.
      The submitted report will be promptly reviewed by SJREC, and advice will be provided regarding further steps to be taken.