Overview

The Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC) is an ethics committee dedicated to the ethical review of all animal-related research at the University of the Free State. It consists of members from various fields relating to animal care and studies (zoologists, veterinarians, animal care providers, etc.). This committee is focused on research that uses both vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Just as human participants are privy to rights, so are animals, and it is with this in mind that ethical behaviour is to be maintained where animals are concerned.  AREC ensures that every possible care is taken before approving studies on animals. AREC's scope of functioning is not limited to researchers affiliated with animal-specific departments.  If a psychology researcher were to research the resilience levels of people with dog companions, that study would also have to be reviewed by AREC to ensure that both the human participants and animal participants are treated in an ethically sound manner.  

Composition

• Chair
  
• Vice-Chair
• Veterinarian
• Animal-welfare consultant
• Animal scientist
• Consultant
• Adviser
• Biostatistician
• Members from various departments relating to animal studies
  

Deadlines for 2026: Ethics committees

Please note that the deadlines are the dates by which the applications must be with the ethics office. Therefore, applications submitted to a supervisor must be accepted by the supervisor by the deadline.

AREC meeting dates for 2026

2026 School holidays

Summary of 2026 calendar for public schools

Please note:

• The deadlines refer to the dates by which applications must reach the ethics office. Therefore, applications submitted to a supervisor must be accepted by the supervisor before the deadline.

Contact me

Boemo Segoje
Officer: RIMS, Ethics and Creative Outputs
T: +27 51 401 7619
E: SegojeBC@ufs.ac.za

Johannes Brill Building, First Floor, Bloemfontein Campus