Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK

At Royal Holloway, University of London, we are dedicated to transparency around our use of animals in research.

The exclusion of animals from research would significantly limit our comprehension of human health and disease, which in turn facilitates the development of potential cures and treatments that benefit millions worldwide. Through our biomedical research addressing urgent healthcare and disease-related challenges, we aim to advance the development of new therapies and interventions designed to treat and/or alleviate these conditions.

We act legally, responsibly, and compassionately with a commitment to increasing the use of scientifically validated alternative methods that reduce, refine or replace the use of animals. We comply fully with the Government’s Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) guidance and regulatory advice, and our Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) facilitates the reporting of research involving animal subjects, which therefore ensures legal compliance with the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 Amendment Regulations (2012). The AWERB is constituted of specialist and lay members who also review non-regulated research and the role of animals on campus in both teaching and ancillary activities. It ensures a continued commitment to the welfare of all animals at the institution.

Royal Holloway is committed to protecting the dignity, rights, and welfare of all those involved in research and to promoting the highest ethical standards of research. We are a signatory to the ‘Concordat on Openness on Animal Research’. The concordat has been signed by over 100 other UK universities, charities, commercial companies, research councils, learned societies and umbrella bodies in a shared commitment to help the public understand more about animal research.

Q. How do you comply with regulations on animal testing? 

“We comply fully with the Government’s Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) guidance and regulatory advice, and our Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) facilitates the reporting of research involving animal subjects, which therefore ensures legal compliance with the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 Amendment Regulations (2012).

“The AWERB is constituted of specialist and lay members who also review non-regulated research and the role of animals on campus in both teaching and ancillary activities. It ensures a continued commitment to the welfare of all animals at the institution.

“We are a signatory to the ‘Concordat on Openness on Animal Research’. The concordat has been signed by over 100 other UK universities, charities, commercial companies, research councils, learned societies and umbrella bodies in a shared commitment to help the public understand more about animal research.”

Q. Are the animals at Royal Holloway used for medical or non-medical research? 

“The small fraction of our biomedical research at Royal Holloway that necessitates the use of animals is for the purpose of developing new cures and vaccines, therefore it is for medical research.”

Q. What conditions are animals kept in at Royal Holloway? 

“We act legally, responsibly and compassionately and all of our work with animals is subject to rigorous ethical and welfare review processes, in accordance with strict Home Office regulations.” 

Q. Why is research with animals needed? 

“The exclusion of animals from research would significantly limit our comprehension of human health and disease, which in turn facilitates the development of potential cures and treatments that benefit millions worldwide.

“Through our biomedical research addressing urgent healthcare and disease-related challenges, we aim to advance the development of new therapies and interventions designed to treat and/or alleviate these conditions. We have already contributed to the development of novel treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.”

Q. Where does animal research take place? 

“Animal research takes place in secured, controlled and highly managed facilities where animals are maintained under controlled conditions and with veterinary surveillance, ensuring that they are adequately housed and cared for by professionally trained staff.  Regulated research that is undertaken at the University which involves the use of animals is fully compliant with the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (Amended 2012) and the associated Code of Practice for accommodation and care of animals.

Q. How many animals are used? 

Q. Are there viable alternatives to animal research? 

“Whenever possible, our researchers use alternatives to animal research to answer scientific questions. In some cases, there is no alternative to conducting research on live animals. In these cases, our fully trained personnel undertake animal research following all the relevant regulations and ensuring that they are not just professional but also compassionate in their use of animals.”

Q. Do any of the animals involved in research experience harm?

“The procedures used are routine ones such as injection, gavage, anaesthesia, monitoring and after care protocols.  Whenever animals are used for research purposes every effort is made to minimise the level of harm.”

If there any further questions or enquiries about the work undertaken at Royal Holloway, please contact via Concordat@rhul.ac.uk