Research with humans and animals
The ethical conduct of research is vital for promoting and supporting a culture of accountability and respect, and for minimising risk to animals, humans and the environment.
UQ researchers act in accordance with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018) and the University’s Responsible Research Management Framework Policy, which include the following responsibilities related to research ethics:
Comply with the relevant laws, regulations, disciplinary standards, ethics guidelines and University policies and procedures related to responsible research conduct. Ensure that appropriate approvals are obtained prior to the commencement of research, and that conditions of any approvals are adhered to during the course of research
Ensure that the ethics principles of research merit and integrity, justice, beneficence and respect are applied to human research
Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and respect their legal rights and local laws, customs and protocols
Ensure that the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) are considered at all stages of research involving animals and minimise the impacts on animals used in research and in so doing support the welfare and wellbeing of these animals
The need for research ethics approvals should be determined in the design phase of a project. Researchers undertaking any research involving humans (including research with or about people, their data, or tissue) or animals should contact Research Ethics and Integrity for advice and application processes. The following UQ policy and procedures are relevant:
- Human Research Ethics Procedure
- Animal Ethics in Teaching and Research Procedure
- Holding Laboratory Animals Outside Biological Resources Facilities Guideline
Additional resources
- National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023)
- Ethical Conduct in Research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders (2018)
- Keeping research on track II (2018) - companion guideline to Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities
- Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research (the AIATSIS Code of Ethics) (2020)
- Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (8th Edition, 2013)