Research Ethics Committee: Animal (REC-A)

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Nelson Mandela University Animal Ethics Reference Documentation:

• REC-A Standard Operating Procedures: The Nelson Mandela University Research Ethics Committee - Animal is charged with monitoring the treatment of animals used in research and teaching at the University. This work-in-progress document outlines the standard operating procedures of REC-A. The REC-A Terms of Reference can be found on the REC-A Terms of Reference and Standard Operating Procedures document of 2016..
• Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in the Care and Handling of Animals used for Research and Education at the Nelson Mandela University
• Nelson Mandela University Code of Conduct for Researchers: This policy gives expression to the values that apply at the Nelson Mandela University and to which all researchers (students, academic and support staff) commit themselves in their research activities.
• Nelson Mandela University Research Ethics Policy: This policy aims to promote awareness of fundamental ethical standards, principles and practices when conducting research with human participants.

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Recommended Reading:

• SANS 10386:2021_Ed 2: The care and use of animals for scientific purposes (Please note: ‘© SABS. This standard may reside on a LAN, WAN, intranet, internet or ECM server and is exclusively available to the Nelson Mandela University in accordance with copyright exploitation agreement no. 014/009/21-006, valid until 2023-03-31. Only students, lecturers and staff members of the Nelson Mandela University may make paper copies of the standard. No paper copy may be photocopied or reproduced in any way.’)
• South African Medical Research Council Research Ethics Policy
• South African Medical Research Council Guidelines on the Responsible Conduct of Research
• World Organisation for Animal Health: Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2019)

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Downloadable Templates:

• Application for Approval (Research): Any activity involving the acquisition, keeping or use of live animals for a research study, requires completion of this form and submission for approval to REC-A.
• Application for Approval (Practical): Any activity involving the acquisition, keeping or use of live animals for practical work, requires completion of this form and submission for approval to REC-A.
• Application for External Animal Sample Collection: Completion of this form is required where there is a need to acquire already existing animal samples.
• Application to use External Data from Animal Sample Collection: Completion of this form is required where there is a need for previously collected/secondary data to be used in a study.
• Application for Extension to an Approved REC-A Project: Completion of this form is required before the current ethics approval period lapses.
• Annual Progress Report
• Completion of Project Report: Completion of this form is required as soon as a project registered with REC-A has been completed.
• Unexpected Mortality/Adverse Events Report
• Draft Monitoring Forms: This includes templates for animal housing, project folder cover page, Animal daily checklist, Field checklist, Practical checklist.

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Application Procedure for ethics approval for a research study:

Please note the cut-off dates listed above for submission of applications for inclusion on the REC-A agenda

1. Download the relevant application form from the list above.
2. Complete the forms in full and ensure that all requisite signatures are obtained. Please note that the submission of incomplete documents will delay the processing of applications as these will be sent back for completion before submission to the Ethics Committee for review.
3. Submit the completed documentation to Mr Imtiaz Khan in the Office of Research Development. 
4. Once screened, the application will be allocated a reference number and added to the next meeting's agenda.
5. After the meeting the REC-A Secretary will notify applicants (PRP/PI) electronically of the meeting's resolution.

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Application Procedure for an amendment to a REC-A-approved research study:

Please note that approval for an amendment must be received from REC-A PRIOR to implementing the amendment

The following documentation must be submitted for a request for an amendment to an approved protocol:

• A covering letter explaining the amendments to the study.
• A copy of the ethics approval letter.
• A copy of the original application with the changes highlighted in a different font/colour.

Documentation must be submitted to Mr Imtiaz Khan in the Office of Research Development for inclusion on the REC-A agenda. After the meeting, both PI and PRP will be notified electronically of the meeting's resolution.

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Application Procedure for an extension to a REC-A-approved research study:

Please note that approval for an extension must be received from REC-A PRIOR to the expiry of the ethics approval period

The following documentation must be submitted for a request for an extension to an approved protocol:

• A copy of the ethics approval letter.
• The completed REC-A Application for Extension form.

Documentation must be submitted to Mr Imtiaz Khan in the Office of Research Development for inclusion on the REC-A agenda. After the meeting, both PI and PRP will be notified electronically of the meeting's resolution.

 

Dr Pierre Pistorius Position:  Senior Lecturer Department:  Zoology Location:  South Campus Phone:  27 41 504 2710 Fax:  27 41 504 2317 Email:  pierre.pistorius@mandela.ac.za Qualifications:  PhD Expertise:  Population Ecology, Resource Management, Climate Change, Marine Top Predators Responsibilities:  Lecturing, Research

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Mr Imtiaz Khan Position:  Manager Department:  Research Development Location:  South Campus Phone:  27 41 504 4329 Fax:  27 41 504 2778 Email:  Imtiaz.Khan@mandela.ac.za

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Ms Ursula Spies Position:  Committee Officer Department:  Governance Administration Room:  0101 Location:  Second Avenue Campus Phone:  27 41 504 3140 Email:  Ursula.Spies@mandela.ac.za Qualifications:  NDip (Com Adm) (PET)

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Queries:

For any queries related to ethics approval for research projects at Nelson Mandela University (including queries from external parties wanting to conduct research at Nelson Mandela University), kindly email: ResearchEthics@mandela.ac.za or Imtiaz.Khan@mandela.ac.za