The University of Birmingham places emphasis on excellence, both in teaching and in research. A key area of excellence within the University is biomedical research, which makes a vital contribution to our fundamental knowledge of biomedical mechanisms and to improve understanding of, treatment, and cure of a range of major health problems, including cancer, diabetes, rheumatic disease, heart disease and neurodegenerative disease. Whilst the University uses non-animal alternatives wherever possible, and understands that animal models have limitations, it accepts that research involving animals remains fundamentally important when endeavouring to understand complex disease and biological mechanisms in order to progress medical and scientific research.
In the UK, any research involving regulated procedures performed on living non-human vertebrates and cephalopods is regulated by the Home Office under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) and all such work is carried out under licence. Our Biomedical Sciences Unit complies with all national laws, guidelines, and Codes of Practice, maintaining and frequently exceeding minimum standards. All those who deal with animals on a daily basis are trained to the highest standards which are approved by recognised professional bodies.
All research projects are subject to rigorous scientific and ethical review by the University of Birmingham’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB), which includes both internal and external representation, and lay members, before being submitted to the Home Office Inspectorate for consideration. The AWERB undertakes a harm-benefit analysis to ensure that the potential benefits of any proposed research involving animals outweigh the potential harms to the animals. Our AWERB reviews all use of animals within the University, including those not covered by ASPA.
The principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of Animals in Research (the ‘3Rs’) are fundamental to the research undertaken at the University of Birmingham and are principles required to be applied under ASPA. Wherever possible, biomedical research is conducted using a wide variety of ‘replacement’ techniques and procedures including computer modelling, in vitro techniques and ethically approved research involving volunteer humans. The decision to use animals in research is not taken lightly, but where such work cannot be replaced the University ensures that numbers are kept to the minimum possible needed to generate robust and reproducible data (‘reduction’). The University of Birmingham is committed to the highest standards of animal care, husbandry and welfare, and proactively seeks new opportunities to improve housing, husbandry and scientific procedures in order to minimise any suffering (‘refinement’).
The University is committed to a Culture of Care that ensures both animals, and those working with them, are cared for and treated with respect.