MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London
Science for Health
Animal welfare
Animal welfare is a high priority at NIMR. No matter which species is used, before submission to the Home Office for licensing each study is carefully reviewed at its inception by the Ethical Review Panel (a constituent committee of the Local Ethical Review Process) to ensure full consideration has been given to the welfare of each animal and the ethical implications of the research.
Highly trained animal technicians
The day-to-day care of the animals at the Institute is provided by highly trained animal technicians who take their responsibilities to the animals, the scientists and the Home Office very seriously. We are committed to ensuring a high standard of training and education for animal technicians and support staff at all stages of their careers.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for Biological Services staff at NIMR includes various formal and informal learning, training and experiences: competency based qualifications allow training specific to the individual and their work while Open University and Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) qualifications deliver a wide knowledge of laboratory animal science and a good background in biological sciences.
Technicians are also encouraged to spend time in NIMR research labs in order to gain hands-on experience of experimental procedures, and attend workshops and seminars held regularly on a variety of laboratory animal science related subjects. Visits to other scientific establishments, symposiums and international meetings are also organised which enable technicians to gain experience in more varied aspects of laboratory animal husbandry and science.
Named Veterinary Surgeon
Animals at the Institute are inspected at least once daily in compliance with the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, and no animal is allowed to suffer needlessly. A Named Veterinary Surgeon (on call 24 hours a day) is responsible for ensuring the well-being of individual animals and whole colonies.
The 3 Rs
The guiding principles of care and welfare generally known as the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) have been widely adopted by the research community and NIMR is committed to them:
- Replacement of animals by non-animal methods where possible
- Reduction of numbers to the minimum necessary to obtain valid results where replacement is not possible
- Refinement of all procedures to minimise adverse effects/stress or suffering
External links
© MRC National Institute for Medical Research
The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA
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