Training and support resources

two people standing smiling at camera in lab environment

Animal Ethics Resources and Training

Southern Cross University is committed to supporting researchers, educators, and students in conducting ethical and responsible animal-based research and teaching. This section provides access to essential resources, training materials, and guidance to help you understand and meet your responsibilities under animal ethics governance.

Whether you're preparing an application, seeking clarification on best practices, or completing mandatory training, you'll find the tools and information you need here. Staying informed and up to date is key to ensuring the welfare of animals and the integrity of your work.

Australian New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART).

ANZCCART ComPass offers free training, courses, and webinars for anyone involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

Phase 1 training is mandatory for all animal investigators. After completing the course, investigators must submit your certificate with their Animal Ethics Application through IRMA. This competency remains valid for five years under your name.

ComPass | ANZCCART | University of Adelaide

New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD)

The Animal Ethic Infolink is not only a great source of policies, guidelines, and factsheets to help you comply with relevant legislation and regulations, but they also provide webinars for training purposes ARRP webinars and seminars | Department of Primary Industries

When preparing your Animal Ethics Application, you must provide a clear and scientifically sound justification for the number of animals you plan to use.

Key Considerations – Understanding all principles of the Animal Code including the 3Rs and applying them to your project.

  • Scientific Validity: The number of animals should be sufficient to achieve statistically valid results without unnecessary use.
  • Ethical Responsibility: Minimise animal use wherever possible while maintaining research integrity.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Follow institutional and national guidelines for experimental design and animal numbers.

Resources to Assist You

  • ARRIVE Guidelines 2.0
    These internationally recognised guidelines help ensure transparent reporting and robust experimental design.
    Visit ARRIVE Guidelines
  • NSW DPIRD Guidelines 32 – Determination of Animal Numbers and Experimental Design
    Provides practical advice on calculating appropriate animal numbers for research and teaching.
    Read Guideline 32
  • Power analysis is a statistical method used to determine the minimum number of animals required to achieve reliable results. Incorporating power analysis strengthens your justification and demonstrates compliance with ethical standards.
  • Understanding the 3Rs and applying them to your project.

Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (3 Rs) | Department of Primary Industries

How do I show the committee the experimental timelines?

Diagrams are a great way to assist the AEC in understanding your project schedule. Two effective tools are Flow Charts and Timelines:

Flow Charts

Flow charts provide a visual representation of the sequence of procedures in a study. They help to:

  • Clarify complex protocols by breaking them down into discrete, logical steps.
  • Highlight decision points, such as criteria for euthanasia or intervention.
  • Improve communication between researchers and ethics committees.
  • Reduce ambiguity, ensuring that reviewers understand what will happen and when.

Timelines

Timelines complement flow charts by showing when each step occurs over the course of the study. They help to:

  • Demonstrate the duration of animal involvement, which is critical for assessing welfare impacts.
  • Identify periods of increased risk or stress, such as surgical recovery or behavioural testing.
  • Ensure compliance with guidelines on housing, monitoring, and post-procedural care.
  • Coordinate resources, such as staffing and facility availability.

Resources:

This section provides the IRMA questionnaire template to support investigators in preparing their animal ethics application prior to submission in the IRMA system.

 Resources:

Daily animal care records must be kept for tracking any issues affecting animal wellbeing and to monitor husbandry practices. A daily activity log must be maintained and displayed where animals are housed.

Resources:

When privately owned animals are used in research or teaching, owners must provide informed consent. This ensures transparency and compliance with ethical standards.

Resources:

  • Information Sheet for owners of Privately Owned Animals Used in research and Teaching
  • Consent Form for owners of Privately Owned Animals used in research and teaching

Information and consent forms for owners of Privately Owned Animals used in research and teaching