Independent External Review of the Operations of Institutions that use Animals for Scientific Purposes

As outlined in Chapter 6 of the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (The Code), every four years James Cook University conducts an external review of its Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) and animal operations. The review is conducted by an external panel of specialist professionals with experience in conducting compliance audits, animal ethics, animal care and husbandry, animal research legislation and the Code, veterinary science and animal welfare.

In 2024, James Cook University (JCU) underwent our most recent Independent External Review (IER) of its activities involving the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

The review found that many elements of JCU’s animal care and use program are consistent with current best practice. The University was noted to have a strong foundation of policies, procedures and practices that support compliance with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Australian Code).

The recommendations arising from the review are intended to support continuous improvement, strengthen governance and oversight, and further enhance animal welfare outcomes across the University’s diverse animal care and use activities.

1. Strengthen strategic planning and governance

   Enhance strategic oversight of animal care and use activities to ensure resources, systems and reporting effectively support compliance with the governing principles of the Australian Code, including the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement).

2. Review efficiency and resource allocation

   Undertake an efficiency review of the animal care and use program, including animal colony management, facility use, standard operating procedures and activities undertaken in interstate and overseas jurisdictions.

3. Enhance compliance monitoring and reporting

   Further refine policies, resourcing and processes that support compliance, including post‑approval monitoring, review of adverse events, project reporting and formal responses to Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) recommendations.

4. Strengthen Animal Ethics Committee support and capability

   Review resourcing, administrative support and recognition of AEC members to ensure the Committee can effectively fulfil its statutory responsibilities.

5. Refine veterinary care and animal welfare oversight

   Review and clarify roles and responsibilities related to veterinary care, animal welfare oversight and compliance management to ensure consistent access to veterinary advice and high standards of animal wellbeing.

6. Improve documentation and systems

   Continue to refine procedures, templates and online systems supporting animal ethics applications, reporting, record‑keeping and document control, ensuring clarity, accuracy and alignment with current practice.

7. Enhance training and competency assurance

   Strengthen training, induction and ongoing professional development arrangements for researchers, animal carers and AEC members, including improved systems for documenting competency and responsibilities.

8. Review complaints and non‑compliance processes

   Further refine procedures for managing complaints, non‑compliance and unexpected adverse events to ensure clarity, consistency and alignment with Australian Code requirements.

9. Support continuous improvement of facilities and animal care practices

   Continue to improve facility management, animal monitoring, housing, husbandry and breeding practices across all animal facilities, including regular review and reporting to the AEC.

10. Monitor implementation of recommendations

Establish a register to track implementation of the 2024 IER recommendations, with regular review and reporting to the AEC and inclusion in annual reporting.

James Cook University is committed to implementing these recommendations and to maintaining high standards of animal welfare, ethical conduct and transparency in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

James Cook University is a signatory to the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) Openness Agreement and is committed to openness, transparency and public accountability in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

As part of this commitment, JCU makes publicly available summary information arising from Independent External Reviews of its animal care and use program, including key findings and recommendations. The publication of the 2024 Independent External Review recommendations reflects JCU’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, high standards of animal welfare, and alignment with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

JCU's next external review is scheduled for December 2028.