Macquarie University is an inaugural signatory to the Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in Australia.

Launched last week by the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART), the agreement is a voluntary commitment to transparency by organisations involved in animal-based research.

As a signatory, the University supports the four commitments of the agreement:

1. We will be open about our involvement in the use of animals.
2. We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our use of animals.
3. We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research or teaching involving the use of animals.
4. We will report annually on our efforts to improve openness in our use of animals.

All animal-based research at Macquarie University is conducted for the advancement of science and medicine, in the interest of the health and wellbeing of humans, animals and the environment. Animals are only used in research and teaching at the University where there is no alternative, and only with strong ethical and scientific justification. When animals are used in research and teaching, they are treated with care and respect.

The Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in Australia is an extension of the University’s existing commitment to animal welfare.

The agreement was developed by ANZCCART in consultation with representatives from universities, the medical research sector, funding agencies, professional associations and animal protection organisations. It is endorsed by Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley.

The agreement is modelled on the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK, which launched in 2014. Similar agreements have followed around the world, including in New Zealand in 2021.

Read more about Macquarie University’s work with animals and the Animal Ethics Committee here. View the Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in Australia here.

If you have any questions about the openness agreement, or what it means for the University, email animal.openness@mq.edu.au.