NHMRC processes ensure that any successful NHMRC grant application for research involving animals is scientifically valid, has been subject to ethical review and is conducted in accordance with the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (Code of Practice).
- All applications for NHMRC funding are subject to rigorous peer review of their scientific merit - view further information.
- Funds for any successful grant application are not released by NHMRC until the Chief Investigator provides evidence to NHMRC (generally through their Research Administration Office or equivalent) of approval from an institutional Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) for the work.
- Ethical review of the work described in a grant application is performed by the institutional AEC.
- NHMRC funding agreements require the ethical review and conduct of work to be in compliance with the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (Code of Practice) and associated policies and guidelines. Part of the funding agreement states the institution is responsible for ensuring, through the AEC, that all animal care and use is compliant with the Code of Practice.
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Under the Code of Practice:
- Researchers in Australia must obtain approval from an AEC before the research can begin.
- In all cases, the applicant must justify the use of the animals to the Animal Ethics Committee.
- At all stages, including during the planning, ethical review and conduct of a project, consideration must be given to the 3Rs - Replacement of animals with other methods, Reduction of the number of animals used, and Refinement of techniques used in order to reduce the adverse impact on animals.
- Researchers must strive to ensure that the use of animals in research continues to be relevant and useful to humans and that alternatives to the use of animals are adopted wherever possible.
- NHMRC conducts post-award compliance reviews of institutions receiving NHMRC funds.