Animal ethics

Our commitment

Charles Darwin University has a strong commitment to research excellence and integrity.

Through our world-class teaching and research profile, we deliver a significant contribution to furthering animal welfare and conservation in Australia and internationally.

Ensuring the welfare and ethical use of animals associated with that research is the cornerstone of the work of CDU animal ethics personnel and the CDU Animal Ethics Committee (AEC).

The CDU AEC and Animal Welfare Officer (acting in accordance with the Animal Protection Act 2018 and regulations and the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes), are responsible for the administration of animal ethics and welfare at CDU. On 1 November 2022, the new Animal Protection Regulations 2022 came into place. These regulations support the Animal Protection Act 2018.

The CDU AEC provides services to both CDU researchers and educators, as well as those from other organisations throughout the Northern Territory, assisting them to comply with ethical and legislative requirements. 

Services provided include managing submissions for ethical consideration, delivering animal ethics training and responding to animal welfare concerns.