The University is introducing the ‘3Rs’ award to recognise outstanding contribution to the field of animal welfare in research at Sussex. 

The ‘3Rs’ of animal research are:  

Replacement - methods that avoid or replace the use of animals 
 
Reduction - methods which minimise the number of animals used per experiment 
 
Refinement - methods that minimise animal suffering and improve welfare 

The award will provide an individual or group with an award certificate and £500 towards the cost associated with publishing or presenting their awarded work. 

Keith Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) said: “Animal-based research plays an important role in such things as improving human health, providing better care for animals, and increasing the knowledge of how to sustain our environment. It contributes new knowledge and solutions that will help to shape the world.  

“The University is already a signatory to the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK, which is a mark of our transparency around this important aspect of our research effort.

“This award is the first of its kind at Sussex, and signifies our commitment to the ‘3R’s’ approach to animal research and our values as a university.

“We’ll review new entries each year, recognising the achievement of animal based researchers to work on improving their implementation of the 3Rs, and helping nurture the tradition of innovation which Sussex is known for.” 

The new award has been introduced by the University’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body and is open to any academic, Professional Services staff member, or postgraduate student working with animals at Sussex. 

It covers any animal work performed at/or by the University including regulated and non-regulated studies. 

For further details on how to apply please e-mail: awerb@sussex.ac.uk