Research involving animals
At Keele, animal research is only undertaken in high quality research programmes, when the use of animals is justified on scientific, ethical and legal grounds, and when no alternative method is available. Keele is committed to the principles of replacement, refinement of procedures, and reduction of number of animals in research (the 3Rs). Keele is committed to increasing transparency about such research, and to signing the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK.
Statement on research involving animals
Our research at Keele University seeks to improve lives and address the most pressing challenges across our region, country, and world. Our academics are actively studying matters of global importance: from climate change and smart energy, to neglected tropical diseases, global health and sustainable futures.
Our research aims to improve the health and welfare of human beings and animals. This research includes work that requires experiments involving rodents. Keele does not conduct research involving primates or medium to large mammals.
Keele University is committed to the principles of replacement, refinement and reduction (3R’s) of animals in research: the replacement of animals in research with other experimental models; the reduction in the number of animals used; and the refinement of procedures to minimise any suffering. Keele University only uses animals in high quality research programmes, when their use is justified on scientific, ethical and legal grounds, and when no alternative is available.
Where such work is governed by the Home Office, it is undertaken to standards in accordance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and is subject to the University’s Ethical Review Process. Animals are only involved when there are no alternatives and the benefits of the research outweigh the likely adverse effects.
All projects involving the use of animals are subject to consideration by the University’s Ethical Review process, via its Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body. This process ensures that research on animals is conducted only when it will contribute to the advancement of knowledge that is likely to lead to improvement of the health and welfare of animals or human beings, or to provide a better understanding of the animals themselves. Furthermore, only projects based on well-defined, achievable scientific objectives, that give due consideration to the welfare of the animals and utilising the minimum number of animals, are approved.
The University will increase the use of alternatives wherever possible; including computer modelling, tissue culture, cell and molecular biology, as well as research with human volunteers. Where the use of animals remains essential, the University is committed to a culture of care and respect for animal welfare.
Keele University fully endorses and supports the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) Guidelines, developed by the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) to improve standards of reporting and ensure that the data from animal experiments can be fully evaluated and utilised.