Animal ethics
The University is committed to the ethical and responsible care of animals involved in research and teaching.
We ensure that all studies are reviewed by the Animal Care and Ethics Committee and are conducted with scientific integrity and rigour.
We understand that involving animals in research and teaching can be a challenging subject. We also know that animal-based studies play an important role in helping us develop new and improved treatments for a range of serious medical conditions.
In addition to laboratory-based research, our teams conduct fieldwork to protect native species, enhance practices in the livestock industry, and improve treatment for people bitten by snakes and spiders.
Our independent Animal Care and Ethics Committee oversees the care and welfare of animals we work with. It’s made up of community members, animal welfare representatives, veterinary scientists and academics.
Our animal welfare officer is a veterinarian who routinely monitors the health of animals in our care and supports researchers with animal health and welfare matters.
Regulatory framework
The use of animals for research or teaching purposes is guided by a strict regulatory framework that includes:
- NSW Animal Research Act 1985
- NSW Animal Research Regulation 2021
- Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th Edition (2013)
The legislation embodies the 'three Rs' of animal based research and teaching: Replace, Reduce, Refine.
Before any animal can be used for research or teaching purposes, the chief investigator must obtain approval from the University's Animal Care and Ethics Committee.
Researchers who use animals for research or teaching purposes have a personal responsibility for all matters relating to the welfare of the animals they use. This responsibility embraces a duty of care that demands a genuine commitment to the welfare of the animals, a respect for the contribution that animals make to research and teaching, and a desire to promote the animal's wellbeing.
Policies, procedures and guidelines
Any researcher conducting animal-based studies must be familiar with and carry out their work in accordance with a suite of national codes, policies and guidelines that support best-practice in animal welfare.
Resources
University staff and researchers can access relevant resources on the Research Hub. Other resources include:
- Animal Ethics Infolink - Developed by the Animal Research Review Panel and NSW Department of Primary Industries - Animal Welfare Branch.
- NHMRC Animal Welfare Committee
- NetVet Veterinary Resources - This website provides a comprehensive listing of all types of internet resources relating to veterinary science, laboratory animals, their welfare and alternatives to animal use.
- International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals
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.