Strong ethics underpins everything we do

Natural Environment

Australian tropical rainforests are places of wonder and rich biodiversity. At QBiotics we use our understanding of the ecology of these complex ecosystems to search for new molecular scaffolds with potential to solve problems in human and animal health. 

We are passionate about rainforests, their conservation, and the myriad of values they provide to the community. We ensure all collection activities as part of our discovery programme are undertaken in an exemplary and environmentally-responsible manner with negligible impact on the forest environment. Our proprietary knowledge-based discovery platform EcoLogic™ means we only need take very small quantities of specifically-targeted types of plant material.  All our collections are made under legally-binding access and benefit sharing agreements. 

Animal Welfare

At QBiotics we believe it is our fundamental ethical responsibility as a company to:

  1. minimise the use of any laboratory animals in product development; and,
  2. where experimentation and regulatory requirements necessitate the use of animals, ensure that these activities are conducted to the highest possible standards of animal care and welfare, paying particular attention to ‘on-study’ quality of life and the possibility for retirement, rehabilitation and rehoming of animals on the completion of the studies.  

Prior to engaging research contractors to conduct any required animal studies on our behalf we closely investigate their animal welfare approach and their standards for animal handling, housing, socialising and environmental enrichment.

While we strongly support the intent of the 3Rs principles in animal experimentation (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement), we have tangibly demonstrated that more can often be done especially following finalisation of animal studies. In this respect, we are very proud to have been instrumental in working with our research providers to initiate and fund new, industry-first programmes for the retirement, rehabilitation and rehoming of laboratory animals on completion of studies.

In the Community

QBiotics has a respected corporate profile in the local communities in which we work. We appreciate the responsibilities this brings and we strive to maintain and enhance our reputation by being active in our communities.

We encourage the involvement of our staff in community activities, especially in providing mentoring for high school and university students, and in contributing to community initiatives to raise awareness and understanding of science and technology, animal welfare, environmental issues, and the myriad of values of tropical rainforests.