Animal research policy
Animal research policy
- Research using animals has made, and continues to make, a vital contribution to the understanding, treatment and cure of a range of major 21st century metabolic and infectious diseases in humans and animals.
- While new methods have enabled scientists and medical researchers to reduce work involving animals, some work must continue for further fundamental advances to be made.
- The University of Glasgow only uses animals in research programmes of the highest quality and where there are no alternatives. All such work is carried out under licences issued by the Home Secretary after weighing its potential benefits against the effects on the animals concerned. The University is committed to the principles of reduction, refinement, and replacement; on each project it ensures that the number of animals used is minimised and that procedures, care routines, and husbandry are refined to maximise welfare.
- The University is committed to the development of a number of alternative methods such as computer modelling, tissue culture, cell and molecular biology, and research with human subjects. Animal procedures are replaced with nonanimal techniques wherever possible. Where the use of animals remains essential, the University of Glasgow is committed to a culture of care and respect for animal welfare.
- The University's ethical review process involves lay representation and external and internal members. It provides ethical advice on standards of animal care, welfare, and accommodation, and 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 and provide ongoing advice and support to researchers where necessary.
Arrive Guidelines
The University of Glasgow has signed up to the 'Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) Guidelines'. This is a 20-point checklist for researchers designed to improve the reporting of animal research. Find out more about the guidelines on the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research website.