Declaration on Openness on Animal Research

19 Oct 2012

The University of Manchester – alongside other research-intensive universities, funding bodies and other organisations – has committed itself to a process for moving towards a Concordat to develop principles of openness in animal research.

The Declaration, which was announced this morning (October 19) at the Science Media Centre in London, states: 

The life sciences sector is at the forefront of developing ground breaking treatments and cures which transform the lives of humans and animals. To do this we need to increase understanding of normal biological functions and disease. Where possible, we use cells grown in a lab, computer models and human volunteers. When this isn’t possible, research may involve animals. When we need to use animals, we strive to reduce the number needed, and seek to develop viable alternatives.

Public acceptance of the use of animals in research has been strong over the last decade. Public scrutiny has also played an essential role in building the world-leading ethical framework that supports our research and ensures it meets the highest welfare standards, only using animals where no alternative exists.

Confidence in our research rests on the scientific community embracing an open approach and taking part in an ongoing conversation about why and how animals are used in research and the benefits of this. We need to continue to develop open dialogue between the research community and the public.

We, the undersigned, commit to work together to establish a Concordat that will develop principles of openness, practical steps and measurable objectives which will underpin a more transparent approach to animal research.

The Wellcome Trust
The British Heart Foundation
The Academy of Medical Sciences
The Medical Research Council
The BBSRC
The Society of Biology
AstraZeneca
GlaxoSmithKline
Pfizer
British Pharmacological Society
The Physiological Society
British Neuroscience Association
Cancer Research UK
Alzheimer’s Research UK
Arthritis Research UK
Motor Neurone Disease Association
Parkinson’s UK
The Association of Medial Research Charities
The Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries
abpi
Universities UK
Understanding Animal Research
Institute of Animal Technology
UK Bioindustry Association
Huntingdon Life Sciences
Lilly
LABA

The University of Manchester
University of Cambridge
University of Bristol
Newcastle University
University of Oxford
Kings College London
UCL
Imperial College London
Durham University
Queen Mary University of London
Cardiff University
The Open University
University of Strathclyde
University of Leicester
Queen’s University, Belfast