Collaborative research

Zoos Victoria welcomes collaborative research proposals.  These could involve the use of Zoos Victoria resources, active collaboration with Zoos Victoria staff or independent research at one of Zoos Victoria's three properties: Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo or Healesville Sanctuary.

All research proposals require consultation with, and approval by, the Senior Property Managers of the relevant Zoos Victoria property(s).  Proposals with animal welfare considerations also have to be approved by the Zoos Victoria Animal Ethics Committee.

Please download our guidelines for submitting a research proposal (DOC 191 KB) to Zoos Victoria.  You will need to complete a Zoos Victoria research application form (DOC 330 KB), and may also need to complete a Zoos Victoria Animal Ethics Committee application form (DOC 310 KB).

Animal Ethics Committee review

Zoos Victoria is licensed by the Department of Primary Industries for the use of animals in research and teaching under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. Part of the requirement of this license is that all proposed research involving animals is overseen and approved by an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC).

The Zoos Victoria AEC is made up of a range of representatives as required by the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes who meet on a bi-monthly basis to assess and review the ethical considerations of each proposal.

Considerations for prospective researchers

Any proposals involving the use of animals must justify to the AEC that alternatives are not available and that the proposed work has relevant scientific value. Consideration must be given to the three 'R's':

Replacement - techniques that replace the use of animals must be sought and used where possible

Reduction - each project must use no more than the minimum number of animals necessary

Refinement - projects should actively investigate alternative techniques and procedures that are designed to avoid pain and distress in animals

Further information is available from the Department of Primary Industries.

Please note

All  forms need to be submitted electronically in MS Word (.doc) format to the relevant person.

All forms must be fully signed.  If you don’t have an electronic signature, please email an unsigned electronic version and post a signed hardcopy to the relevant person.

All researchers must read and agree to comply with the Zoos Victoria Code of Conduct for Scientific Research Practice (PDF 21 KB) and Occupational Health and Safety procedures.  Scientific procedures using animals must be carried out in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and Regulations 2008, and the current version of the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

Researchers should also be aware of the Zoos Victoria Conservation Science Plan (PDF 382 KB).

Zoos Victoria may withdraw from a project at any time if resources or circumstances change.

Submission dates 2013

In order for your research proposal to be considered in a timely manner, please ensure all application forms and supporting documents are submitted by the following remaining deadlines for 2013:

Contact details

Senior Scientist, Wildlife Conservation & Science - Dr Michael Magrath
Email: research@zoo.org.au
Phone: +61-3 9340 2752
Mail: Senior Scientist
Wildlife Conservation and Science
Zoos Victoria
PO Box 74
Parkville VIC 3052 

Support Officer, Wildlife Conservation & Science - Michelle Cooper
Email: aec@zoo.org.au
Phone:  +61-3 9340 2723
Mail: Support Officer
Wildlife Conservation and Science
Zoos Victoria
PO Box 74
Parkville VIC 3052