Animals and Research

Newcastle University has a policy of using animals in research only if there are no realistic alternatives and in projects of major importance. UK standards of care are among the highest in the world, and we strictly enforce them.

Use of animals in research at Newcastle

To find out more about our research involving animals and animal welfare, visit the Centre for Behaviour and Evolution.

Newcastle University only uses animals in regulated research programmes (under the Animal Scientfic Procedures Act 1986) which are of the highest quality and where there are no alternatives.  Much of this work is carried out under licences issued by the Home Secretary requiring the systematic weighing the potential benefits against the effects on the animals concerned. The University is committed to the principles of reduction, refinement and replacement in animal research; for each project it ensures that animal use is clearly justified (Replacement) that the number of animals used is appropriate for the scientific objectives (Reduction) and that procedures, care routines and husbandry are refined to maximise welfare (Refinement).

The University's Animal Welfare Ethical Review Body (AWERB) considers proposals for all activities that involve living animals (e.g. research, teaching and engagement activities).   It includes lay representation and provides ethical advice on standards of animal care, welfare and accommodation.  The University ensures that those working with animals are aware of their responsibilities and receive appropriate training.  Veterinary and animal care staff are actively involved in the ethical review of research, welfare and care of animals.  They provide ongoing advice and support to researchers where necessary.

For biomedical research, the University is committed to the development of alternative methods to using live animals such as computer modelling, tissue culture, cell and molecular biology, and research with human subjects.  Procedures on animals are replaced with non-animal techniques wherever possible and this is reflected in the fact that the vast majority of biomedical research conducted at the University does not involve experiments on animals.  Where the use of animals remains essential, the University applies high standards of a culture of care and respect for animal welfare.

Newcastle University is proud of its achievements in improving the welfare of laboratory animals, for which it has won national and international awards. The University is one of a small number of institutions that has active research programmes in this field and contributes to the development of further improvements in UK standards of laboratory animal care, which are already amongst the highest in the world.  Examples include improving the detection and alleviation in pain and distress in a wide variety of species.

Find out more

• Our research involving animals and animal welfare: Centre for Behaviour and Evolution
• Statement of policy on collaborations with international institutions
• Home Office: research and testing using animals
• Understanding Animal Research
• National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs)