Animal research
Researchers at the University of Wollongong conduct a wide range of projects that may involve animals. These are as diverse as observational studies for wildlife conservation through to research involving laboratory mice and rats to study important human diseases.
All these projects are subject to strict regulations. Under the law, no research involving animals may proceed unless it has been approved in advance the University of Wollongong’s Animal Ethics Committee. Membership of this committee must include veterinarians and people with an interest in animal welfare who are completely independent of the University of Wollongong.
Once research has commenced, it is subject to veterinary oversight by the University of Wollongong’s Animal Welfare Officer and inspections by the Animal Ethics Committee.
The University of Wollongong respects the diversity of views relating to animal research in the broader community and has shown leadership in implementing measures to address common ethical concerns. These have included support for the re-homing of animals at the conclusion of research and a funding scheme for projects with the potential to replace, reduce or refine the use of animals in research. The University of Wollongong is also one of a growing number that offer a teaching module in animal law.
For more information about the role of animals in research more generally, we recommend visiting the Speaking of Research website.
For information about the regulatory requirements in Australia and NSW please visit Animal Ethics Infolink (developed by the Animal Research Review Panel and NSW Dept. of Primary Industries Animal Welfare Branch)
If you would like additional general information about research involving animals specifically at UoW, please email us at animalresearch-questions@uow.edu.au. Please note that this email address is only checked intermittently so we might take a few days to get back to you. For researchers with questions about Animal Ethics processes at UoW please see the relevant boxes below.