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.
