About CSIRO's animal research
CSIRO's research areas include improving the health, welfare and productivity of farm animals; understanding and protecting Australia's unique environment and wildlife; managing pest species and boosting human health. Where these objectives require the use or study of animals for scientific purposes, CSIRO accepts responsibility for the welfare of these animals and is committed to ensuring that the best possible standards of animal health and wellbeing are applied at all times.
Compliance with national standards
All animal research undertaken by CSIRO must comply with the values, principles, governance and review processes specified in the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (2013), the NHMRC Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018), NHMRC Best practice methodology in the use of animals for scientific purposes (2017) and with the standard of conduct and performance required by relevant State and Federal legislation. This includes ensuring that respect for animals underpins all decisions by:
- using animals only when justified
- supporting the wellbeing of animals at all times
- avoiding or minimising harm
- applying high standards of scientific integrity and ethics approval processes
- promoting and applying the 3Rs principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement
All animal research must be reviewed and approved by one of CSIRO’s Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) before research can begin. This ensures the required standards are being met.
How we apply the 3Rs in CSIRO research
The Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (2013) requires that respect for animals must underpin all decisions and actions involving the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. This respect is demonstrated by applying the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs) at all stages of animal care and use.
The principle of replacement refers to the consideration and use of methods that allow an activity or project to be achieved without the use of animals. This may include:
- using methods that replace or partially replace the use of animals
- examining all existing information relevant to the proposed aim(s), including existing databases and considering the use of alternative techniques such as: epidemiological data, physical and chemical analysis, computer, mathematical and inanimate synthetic models; simulations; in vitro systems; lower or non-sentient organisms; cadavers; and clinical cases
- reviewing new advances during the lifetime of a project and implementing changes to ensure best practice in both current and future projects
See how CSIRO is applying the principle of replacement in our research by developing new ways to grow and study rabbit biocontrol viruses in the case study at the bottom of this page.
Openness Agreement
In August 2023 CSIRO became an inaugural signatory to the Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in Australia
This national initiative, led by the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART), is a voluntary pledge that can be signed by organisations wishing to demonstrate their commitment to greater transparency in the use of animals for research or teaching.
The agreement outlines four commitments for organisations to work towards to demonstrate greater openness.
These commitments are:
- We will be open about our involvement in the use of animals in research or teaching.
- We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our use of animals in research or teaching.
- We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research or teaching involving animals.
- We will report annually on our efforts to improve openness in our use of animals in research or teaching.
Download a copy of the full Openness Agreement.
About CSIRO's animal research
CSIRO's research areas include improving the health, welfare and productivity of farm animals; understanding and protecting Australia's unique environment and wildlife; managing pest species and boosting human health. Where these objectives require the use or study of animals for scientific purposes, CSIRO accepts responsibility for the welfare of these animals and is committed to ensuring that the best possible standards of animal health and wellbeing are applied at all times.
Compliance with national standards
All animal research undertaken by CSIRO must comply with the values, principles, governance and review processes specified in the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (2013), the NHMRC Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018), NHMRC Best practice methodology in the use of animals for scientific purposes (2017) and with the standard of conduct and performance required by relevant State and Federal legislation. This includes ensuring that respect for animals underpins all decisions by:
- using animals only when justified
- supporting the wellbeing of animals at all times
- avoiding or minimising harm
- applying high standards of scientific integrity and ethics approval processes
- promoting and applying the 3Rs principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement
All animal research must be reviewed and approved by one of CSIRO’s Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) before research can begin. This ensures the required standards are being met.
How we apply the 3Rs in CSIRO research
The Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (2013) requires that respect for animals must underpin all decisions and actions involving the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. This respect is demonstrated by applying the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs) at all stages of animal care and use.
The principle of replacement refers to the consideration and use of methods that allow an activity or project to be achieved without the use of animals. This may include:
- using methods that replace or partially replace the use of animals
- examining all existing information relevant to the proposed aim(s), including existing databases and considering the use of alternative techniques such as: epidemiological data, physical and chemical analysis, computer, mathematical and inanimate synthetic models; simulations; in vitro systems; lower or non-sentient organisms; cadavers; and clinical cases
- reviewing new advances during the lifetime of a project and implementing changes to ensure best practice in both current and future projects
See how CSIRO is applying the principle of replacement in our research by developing new ways to grow and study rabbit biocontrol viruses in the case study at the bottom of this page.
Openness Agreement
In August 2023 CSIRO became an inaugural signatory to the Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in Australia
This national initiative, led by the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART), is a voluntary pledge that can be signed by organisations wishing to demonstrate their commitment to greater transparency in the use of animals for research or teaching.
The agreement outlines four commitments for organisations to work towards to demonstrate greater openness.
These commitments are:
- We will be open about our involvement in the use of animals in research or teaching.
- We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our use of animals in research or teaching.
- We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research or teaching involving animals.
- We will report annually on our efforts to improve openness in our use of animals in research or teaching.
Download a copy of the full Openness Agreement.
