MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London
Science for Health
External links
Information about the use of animals in research may be found on the websites listed below. Please note that NIMR is not responsible for the content on external websites.
Current legislation
- Animals in Scientific Procedures
- The Home Office's website on this topic draws together information on the law, roles of the professionals, ethical guidance, as well as FAQ on animal research.
- Home Office Guidance on the Operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
- Provides information and advice in relation to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act: its main provisions, the certificates and licences issued, the responsibilities of those with roles under the legislation, and details on how it is administered and enforced.
- Animal Procedures
Committee
- The Animals Procedures Committee (APC) is an advisory, Non-Departmental Public Body established and appointed under the terms of sections 19 and 20 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
Developing best practice
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs)
- The new Centre provides a focus for the promotion, development and implementation of the 3Rs in animal research, and replaces and builds upon the Medical Research Council's Centre for Best Practice for Animals in Research (CBPAR).
- Laboratory Animal Science Association
- Laboratory animal science seeks to ensure the provision and best use of the most appropriate animal models - including derived materials such as organs, tissues and cellular components - for medical, veterinary and other scientific purposes. The key aim of LASA is to advance this knowledge of the care and welfare of laboratory animals and to promote refinement of scientific procedures.
- Federation of Laboratory Animal Science
Associations
- FELASA, the Federation of Laboratory Animal Science Associations, represents common interests in the furtherance of all aspects of laboratory animal science (LAS) in Europe and beyond. FELASA publishes recommendations and guidelines by expert working groups in all areas of LAS, issues policy statements, organises scientific meetings, accredits LAS courses, and is considered as the European specialist body in LAS by the European Union.
- Institute of Animal Technology
- The purpose of the Institute of Animal Technology is to advance knowledge and promote excellence in the care and welfare of animals in science and to enhance the standards and status of those professionally engaged in the care, welfare and use of animals in science.
- Laboratory Animals Veterinary
Association
- The Laboratory Animals Veterinary Association (LAVA) is a non-territorial specialist division of the British Veterinary Association (BVA). LAVA's members are veterinary surgeons and students from the UK and elsewhere who are interested in laboratory animal medicine and science. Many members act as Named Veterinary Surgeons under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in a full or part time capacity.
- RSPCA
Research Animal Science
- Our research animals team is formed of specialist scientific staff. They work with those involved in the regulation, care and use of animals in experiments, both nationally and internationally, to develop and promote practical measures that will help to: ensure critical assessment, on a case by case basis, of the necessity and justification for animal use replace, or avoid, the use of animals reduce the numbers used refine experimental procedures, housing and care to improve welfare and to minimise and preferably avoid suffering.
Why animals are needed
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Understanding Animal Research
- Understanding Animal Research aims to achieve understanding and acceptance of the need for humane animal research in the UK, by maintaining and building informed public support and a favourable policy climate for animal research.
- Mice and Medicine (PDF - 38 pages)
- The Medical Research Council's publication, Mice and Medicine explains why animals are needed in medical research; past benefits arising from animal work; what animals are used; the legislation which controls the use of animals in research; and the MRC's positive and continuing commitment to animal welfare.
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