Murdoch University Award for Advancement in Animal Welfare

This is a joint award between the Research Ethics Office and the School of Veterinary and Biomedical Science.

Murdoch University and the School of Veterinary and Biomedical Science are committed to the improvement of animal welfare across all disciplines. This award recognises advancements in animal welfare.  These advancements may be developed through: a research outcome or technique; a learning outcome, the refinement of a teaching method; or a teaching tool.  The award symbolises the commitment by Murdoch University to the 3Rs of animal welfare: replace, reduce and refine underpinned by the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

Eligibility

Eligible nominees are:

• Post graduate students (or a team of students) currently enrolled in a course offered by Murdoch University or enrolled at the time the work was developed.  The team can include an external collaborator.
• Teaching and research Staff employed at Murdoch University.
• General staff employed at Murdoch University

Criteria for selection

Nominees shall have made a significant contribution to at least one of the following:

• Techniques or methods that totally replace the use of animals
• Advancements that significantly reduce the number of animals required for a particular kind of scientific work

• Procedures which reduce or eliminate animal pain, distress or suffering
• Processes which reduce the overall impact on animals
• Methods which reduce the repeated use of animals for the same or similar tasks
• Methods which minimise the number of animals needed for a teaching activity
• Improved standards of animal care, such as, through improved housing, transport, enrichment or meeting other welfare concerns, eg of a particular species
• Advancements that improve methods of working with wildlife, eg to minimise the need to capture animals

All aspects of improving animal welfare are eligible, including the use of companion animals, wildlife, production animals, laboratory animals, and animals used for recreation, teaching, or research.

The work/study described must be recent (within two years prior to the closing date).  Multiple entries are allowed.

Submission details

Submissions must be in writing (maximum of two A4 pages) outlining the work/study that has been developed and must be signed. The submission is not required to be in essay format but should describe how the work/study has contributed to the advancement of animal welfare. Creative submissions are encouraged including the use of photographs.  Nominees may be invited to discuss their work with the selection panel. Submissions should include the name and contact details of an independent referee who is familiar with the work.

Submissions are to be lodged with the Development Officer, Room 2.22 Vet Clinical Sciences Building, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences addressed to Ms Kristin Mannix.

Submission dates

Opening date for nominations is July 20 2008 and the closing date is August 20 2008.
The award will be presented in conjunction with Murdoch’s celebration of World Animal Day, (October 4).  Applicants will need to be able to be present at this event.

Selection Process

Submissions will be assessed by an independent panel against on their contribution to the reduction, refinement and replacement of animal use in teaching, research, domestic or industry situations, and against the eligibility criteria. 

Selection Panel

The panel will comprise the following members:

• Research Office Manager or nominee
• Dean of the School of Veterinary and Biomedical Science or nominee
• School or University member provided there is no conflict of interest and nominated by the Dean
• Independent AEC member

The Award

The award will be to the value of $1500 for attendance at an animal welfare or scientific conference, such as, the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART). 
The successful recipient will be invited to present a review of their work to the School of Veterinary and Biomedical Science in the weekly seminar series and will have the opportunity to present at the ANZCCART annual conference in Australia.

Inquiries
For further inquiries please email
Teresa Collins T.Collins@murdoch.edu.au or
Erich von Dietze e.vondietze@murdoch.edu.au

Download the PDF form here
Submit 2 copies of the nominations to Kristin Mannix, VCS 2.22, Murdoch University by 20 August 2008