Universities resist full transparency in animal research

Australia’s code governing animal research encourages institutions to make animal ethics compliance reports publicly available, yet only six out of 42 universities shared these documents when asked, writes Petra Stock for The Mandarin.

Many Australian universities still balk at the level of openness recommended by the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes which governs animal research nationally. The Mandarin wrote to all 42 universities (listed by the Australian government) requesting a copy of their most recent animal ethics committee compliance, or annual report. Only six universities provided the requested document/s.

Rachel Smith, CEO of Animal-Free Science Advocacy, said that under the current system, institutions monitor and review their compliance but have full discretion about whether to make this information publicly available.
Full report on The Mandarin site