At HRI, we perform internationally recognised cardiovascular research to save and improve the lives of people with cardiovascular disease – the number one killer in Australia and the world.
Our research involves a wide variety of leading-edge techniques and methods and, in some cases, would not be possible without the use of laboratory research animals. Almost every major breakthrough by medical research institutes worldwide has depended on the use of animals at some stage during research, development and treatment trials before being used in patients.
As an inaugural signatory of the ANZCCART Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in Australia, HRI is committed to transparency, accountability and openness regarding animals used in research.
Animal research is bound by strict regulations in Australia, including State laws and the “Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes”. Any research at HRI that involves animals cannot commence until the proposed work is reviewed, approved and endorsed by the Animal Welfare Committee governed by Sydney Local Health District.
HRI strictly adheres to the Code and follows its principle of 3Rs:
- Replacement – Animals are replaced with other methods wherever possible, such as cell cultures, organoids, mathematical models and plastic mannequins.
- Reduction – As few animals as possible are used.
- Refinement – Methods used aim to minimise any adverse impacts on animals.
Animals housed at HRI in our biological facilities are cared for by highly experienced animal technicians and research staff, using the current best practices to support the highest standards of animal welfare. Extensive training is conducted to maintain high quality of care of these animals, central to our commitment to promote ethical, humane and responsible care of animals used for medical research.
We recognise and respect the diversity of opinion about the use of animals in research, and we will continually review our practices with the wider scientific community to reduce the use of animals wherever possible and encourage the development of alternatives.
