All Medical University of Graz project proposals are first subject to an internal preliminary assessment. Following a positive evaluation, they then proceed to the Rectorate. After receiving the Rector's signature, the proposals are sent to the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF), which starts the legal approval procedure. The project manager(s), the internal preliminary assessor(s) and the Rectorate receive an approval decision with any potential changes. The Med Uni Graz Animal Protection Committee is informed of the positive approval decision. It serves as the monitoring body during the project.