Broadcast: News items

The Ancillary Unit has been renamed the Biomedical Research Facility, to better reflect the purpose of the facility as part of the University’s commitment to openness regarding animal research that occurs on campus.

As a signatory of the Concordat on Openness in Animal Research, the University is committed to the highest standards of research integrity and openness regarding its animal research activities. As part of this commitment, information regarding the number of animals used and the animal research performed at the University is published every year. We aim to proactively reinforce our commitment to animal welfare and the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), and demonstrate how we ensure the good care of any animals used in University research programmes.

The University is committed to the development of alternative methods of research such as computer modelling, tissue culture, cell and molecular biology and human clinical research to reduce research involving animals – or avoid their use in studies altogether. However, some research involving animals is essential in making important contributions to the understanding, treating and curing of major health issues, such as cancer, diabetes and neurological diseases and disorders.

Animal research at the University is regulated by the Home Office and must comply with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. As part of this legislation it is a requirement for all animal research projects to be reviewed and approved by the University’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) prior to final approval by the Home Office.