Aim of this document
This document is intended to support the implementation of the Code and the Code of Conduct by:
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The Guidance is supported by the ARC, CSIRO and UA.
In July 2018, the Guidance was updated to refer to the 2018 Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, and to include two references about the pre-registration of protocols for animal-based studies.
- outlining best practice for the conduct of high quality animal-based studies
- highlighting common flaws in methodologies employed in animal-based studies and issues that impact on their reproducibility
- providing practical strategies for the implementation of best practice methodology, and to address issues related to reproducibility, during the planning, conduct, reporting and review of the use of animals for scientific purposes.
All activities outlined in this document must be conducted in accordance with relevant Commonwealth and state and territory legislation, and the Code.
The issues and recommendations in this document are outlined in broad rather than prescriptive or detailed terms. Key publications and resources providing detailed guidance and information are provided in accompanying references. Users should also be aware that the information in this document was current at the time of its publication, and that the practices they follow must accord with any changes in legislation and current best practice.
Contents
Acronyms
Key terms
Introduction
Regulatory framework
National standards and guidelines
Aim of this document
Scope
Structure
Intended audience
1. Framework for best practice methodology
1.1 The application of good scientific method
1.2 The application of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs)
1.3 Effective and transparent reporting
2. Consequences of poor methodology
3. Major issues
3.1 Quality of experimental design
3.2 Quality of experimental statistics
3.3 Quality of techniques and procedures
3.4 Reporting
4. International guidance
5. Practical strategies
5.1 Institutions
5.2 Investigators
5.3 Animal ethics committees
6. References and resources
Additional publications and resources
Appendix 1: ARRIVE Guidelines Checklist
Appendix 2: PREPARE Guidelines Checklist
Appendix 3: Process report
