Application forms and procedures
From Thursday, 16 September 2021, all ethics applications will be submitted via Massey University's Upgraded Research Information Management System (RIMS). Access to RIMS and all information regarding policy, application processes and guidance material can be found on OneMassey (Staff) and MyHub (Students).
The need for ethical approval
The National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) has developed a flow chart to assist in determining the need for ethical approval. Please refer to this document if you are in any doubt as to whether you should submit an application to MUAEC.
Need for Ethical Approval Flowchart (222 KB)ARRIVE guidelines
The ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of in vivo Experiments) guidelines have been developed by the NC3Rs to improve standards of reporting and ensure that the data from animal experiments can be fully evaluated and utilised. The guidelines are primarily aimed at scientists writing up their research for publication and for those who are involved in peer review.
PREPARE guidelines
The PREPARE (Planning Research and Experimental Procedures on Animals: Recommendations for Excellence) guidelines complement the ARRIVE guidelines and focus on a large number of factors which, although they are seldom reported in scientific papers, can dramatically influence the validity and outcome of studies on animals, as well as the health and safety of all those concerned.
Declaration forms
(For use with online application)
Applicant Declaration Form (65 KB)Consultation with Māori
Please note that consultation with Māori must occur if the application involves work with native fauna.
The most important part of the consultation process is the establishment of relationships with iwi, both locally and nationally, depending on the location and type of research. It is expected that this liaison take place prior to submission of any application, as Māori wish to be consulted at the conceptual stage.
Please note that consultation must be directly between the researcher or research group and iwi, independent of consultation between the Department of Conservation and iwi.
The Kaiarahi Office of the College of Sciences is happy to provide support and counsel on any research or teaching proposal involving work with native fauna and can facilitate in giving contact and procedural advice if interaction with iwi is required.
Please liaise with:
Professor Nick Roskruge
Kaiarahi Māori
Pro Vice-Chancellor's Office
College of Sciences
Turitea Campus
Palmerston North
E-mail: N.Roskruge@massey.ac.nz
Although not required, where written confirmation of consultation has been provided, please retain this documentation, as consultation may be subject to audit at any time.
If any problems or issues arise for researchers, you are encouraged to contact the Chair of MUAEC or the Research Ethics Office for assistance or advice.
Project feedback
At the conclusion of your protocol, applicants are requested to complete a project feedback form and return same to the MUAEC Secretary.
The purpose of this exercise is to identify animal welfare outcomes of research, testing and teaching, both favourable and unfavourable. This will assist the AEC to evaluate future protocols and to advise applicants on ways to achieve the best outcomes for animals.