Our research and teaching

Animal-based research and teaching projects are a small but important part of the work we do for our communities. This includes looking for new and better ways to diagnose and treat disease, protect our native species and improve practices in our livestock industries.

How we involve animals

Animals can be involved in different ways.

For some studies, researchers use non-invasive methods such as conducting surveys or analysing urine, faeces or existing tissue samples. For other studies, researchers may use animal models that help them assess the complex physiological functions in living organisms. This work is often carried out alongside other techniques to help answer key biological questions necessary to understand and treat disease.

Any research or teaching project that involves animals must have ethics approval. Researchers and staff involved in approved projects must also be trained in the appropriate care of animals.

Project teams need to abide by a strict legislative framework and ensure their research meets the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

Animal use at the University

The University is accredited to work with a small number of species, and more than 95% of the animals involved in our research studies are mice and rats.

Research the University will not support

Using animals for cosmetic testing in animals is banned in Australia.

The University of Newcastle does not support the use of forced swim tests or forced smoke inhalation procedures in rodents, which aligns with the Animal Research Amendment Act 2024.

Any other involvement of animals in research or teaching must be done in alignment with The Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes and must be approved by an Animal Ethics Committee.