Research openness

At the University of Melbourne, we conduct research that expands the boundaries of knowledge and delivers enduring positive impact. We contribute to innovative technologies, scientific discoveries, cultural development and new approaches to regulation and public policy to transform the way we live.

The opportunity to pursue a career in research is a great privilege. We have a responsibility to justify our efforts to society, to communicate our research, and to ensure the conduct of our research is visionary, transformative and beneficial to those we serve. The University’s guiding Research Principles include long-term benefit to the community, the highest ethical standards and commitment to academic freedom.

Animal care and research use

Animal research has been crucial in developing treatments for serious diseases. As leaders in animal health and wellbeing research, we respect all animals used in our studies and teaching. We recognise this as a privilege that demands the highest standards of care.

The University of Melbourne proudly supports open and ethical animal research and is a proud early signatory to the Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in Australia, developed by the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART).

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Zebrafish in an aquarium

Outstanding and significant global research is core to the University’s purpose. As a comprehensive institution we take our contribution to social, economic and environmental challenges seriously. We regularly step back and examine closely the context in which we are conducting research. We also take cues from our community on whether we are clearly and consistently communicating our research impact and outcomes.

The University is committed to fostering informed dialogue and understanding about our continued contribution to Australia’s social and economic wellbeing, including our commitment to the defence and national security of Australia. The University weighs the potential community benefits of all research against their potential harm. These issues are regularly revisited to ensure alignment with community expectations and national priorities.

Learn more about our research capabilities in defence and national security.

Sensitive research

At the University of Melbourne, we are committed to conducting research with openness and transparency. We recognise that some research is conducted in sensitive areas where the nature of the work may limit what can be publicly disclosed. Despite these constraints, we remain dedicated to communicating our research governance and commitment to responsible conduct.

Understanding Sensitive Research

The University of Melbourne upholds the principles of academic freedom and freedom of speech as fundamental to our values and identity. These principles support the pursuit of knowledge, foster open dialogue and allow researchers to engage in their work without undue interference. Our comprehensive governance and support systems enable us to uphold these freedoms while maintaining research integrity and ensuring researcher and institutional safety.

Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech enable our staff and students to:

  • Conduct research and scholarly activities
  • Engage in collaborative projects
  • Participate in academic discourse and debate.

However, these freedoms are not unconstrained. They operate within a framework that includes:

Our policies aim to protect these freedoms while maintaining the integrity of our academic mission and the wellbeing of all University members. We strive to balance the importance of free expression in academic settings with our duty to provide a safe and inclusive environment for research and learning.

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