Leader in Openness
Newcastle reaffirmed as a Leader in Openness in animal research
Published on: 14 May 2025
Understanding Animal Research has announced that Newcastle University has reaffirmed its status as a Leader in Openness from 2025 - 2028.
Much of the research Newcastle University carries out using animals directly supports the development of treatments for common human conditions such as cancer, heart disease and stroke.
Leaders in Openness are Concordat signatories who commit considerable resource and energy to following best practice in animal research, embedding openness within their organisations, and making the aims of the Concordat a reality.
‘Embedding change’
These organisations are essential to moving conversations about the use of animals in research forwards and embedding change in the bioscience sector.
The 10 Leaders announced today, and all the applications, were assessed by members of the public and all signatories were found to be leading in their field.
Dr Matt Leach, Director of the Comparative Biology Centre, said: “As a University, sharing accurate information about our use of animals in research is vital to broadening understanding of this area of work helping human health and improving animal care.
“It is thanks to the hard work of both our scientific and communication colleagues that we are able to achieve this and retaining our status as a leader in animal research openness recognises their significant contribution.”
This month is 11 years since the launch of the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK, a voluntary code of practice that commits signatory organisations to enhancing their animal research communications.
Over the past decade, signatories have worked to transform the culture of animal research communications by explaining when, how, and why animals are used, strengthening engagement with the public and media, proactively creating opportunities for dialogue, and reporting progress each year.
These efforts have resulted in a wealth of accessible information, innovative public engagement activities, and a growing willingness within organisations to discuss their research openly and honestly.
Each year, Concordat signatories develop new projects and communication methods to explain how they conduct, fund, or support animal research.
‘Building public trust’
Hannah Hobson, Head of Communications and Engagement at Understanding Animal Research, said: “The Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK was established to provide clear guidance for organisations using animals in scientific research, helping them communicate openly about their work and the reasons behind it.
“Greater openness regarding how and why animals are used enables the public to consider both the potential benefits and the ethical considerations, fostering informed discussion and trust.
“Each year, the Concordat recognises institutions that consistently meet the highest standards for openness and transparency in their animal research communications.
“These organisations excel in internal communications, public-facing websites, social media, media engagement, and public outreach, setting a benchmark for the sector and leading by example.
“For 2025–2028, a select group of research organisations has once again demonstrated outstanding commitment in all these areas, earning the ‘Leaders in Openness’ title for three years.
“This recognition reflects the energy, thoughtfulness, and courage they show in making information about animal research accessible and understandable to the public on a subject that is often complex and misunderstood.
“The Concordat’s aim is to move past secrecy, building public trust through a clear and established code of practice for life science research communications.
“By explaining why animal research is carried out and how harms are minimised, signatories help the public weigh the benefits and costs and address widespread misconceptions about this important area of science.”
Leaders in Openness
The 10 new Leaders in Openness for 2025 - 2028 are:
