Animals in Research and Teaching
Animal-based research and teaching projects are a small but important part of the work we do for our communities. They help us find better ways to diagnose and treat serious medical conditions, protect our native species, and improve practices in Australia’s livestock industries.
We’re committed to the ethical and responsible treatment of animals in our care. Any research or teaching project that involves animals must secure ethics approval from our independent Animal Care and Ethics Committee.
Our research & teaching
Animals can be involved in research and teaching projects in a range of ways.
Our commitment to the 3Rs
We support the principles of the 3Rs of animal-based research and teaching.
| Replacement | Reduction | Refinement |
|---|---|---|
| Is there an alternative experiment that doesn't require the use of animals? | Can we adjust the experiment design to involve fewer animals? | Can we minimise the effect of the research on the animals and improve animal welfare? |
Before any animal-based research or teaching project can occur, our Animal Care and Ethics Committee must be satisfied that the proposed work is ethically acceptable and that the 3Rs have been considered and applied wherever possible.
Our commitment to openness
We were one of the first Australian research institutions to become an official signatory to the National Openness Agreement on Animals Involved in Research and Teaching.
Facilitated by the Australian & New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching, the agreement is a voluntary pledge by organisations to demonstrate their commitment to greater transparency about the involvement of animals in research and teaching activities.
Our facilities
Our researchers have access to modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that help us keep pace with emerging technologies, methodologies and fields of research.
More information
Our Animal Care and Ethics Committee
The ACEC oversees the care and welfare of animals we work with.
Read more
Managing concerns
We have processes in place to manage concerns about animals involved in research and teaching.
Read more
Resources for researchers
Our researchers and staff can access resources and advice about ethics applications, training requirements and more on our Research Hub (internal access).
Latest news
News • 18 Jul 2025
Pulsating microneedles painless alternative to traditional needles
A new transdermal drug delivery method using pulsating, fabricated microneedles presents a promising alternative to traditional painful subcutaneous injections.
News • 26 Jun 2025
$1.27m ARC Linkage funding to improve animal health and grow Australia’s biomanufacturing capability
Delivering innovative solutions to improve food security, public health and environmental sustainability, two University of Newcastle research teams have secured more than $1.27million through the latest round of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Projects funding
News • 09 Jun 2025
Secret koala population uncovered on city fringe
A landmark survey has uncovered a hidden koala population living on the fringe of a major city, using thermal drone searches with spotlight verification and statistical modelling.
News • 26 Feb 2025
Newly discovered Australian frogs highlight dire limits of climate change adaptation
Two newly discovered species of Australian frogs may be unable to adapt to the escalating impacts of climate change, raising urgent conservation concerns from scientists.
News • 11 Feb 2025
New grant for spinal cord study supports significant step towards better pain treatments
A University of Newcastle research team has secured a $940,000 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ideas Grant to examine the role of spinal cord cells in processing and producing pain signals, which could have a significant impact on how chronic pain is treated.
News • 03 Dec 2024
$2.2 million in ARC Discovery grants to help boost Australian life
Four University of Newcastle research teams have secured more than $2.2 million in Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery grants to help expand Australia’s knowledge base and research capability.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.