Policy and ethical review procedures
Purpose
The purpose of this Policy is to provide a clear statement about the University’s position in relation to the use of animals in research and teaching activities and clarify the responsibilities of those who involve animals in University activities and the key University roles in overseeing these activities. The policy applies to all staff, students and person undertaking research and teaching activities that involves animals. The policy divides the use of animals in research and teaching activities into 4 categories (A,B,C and D) and defines the ethical review requirements for each.
Ethical Review Requirements
The Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) is the local framework acting to ensure that use of animals in the establishment is carefully considered and justified; that proper account is taken of all possibilities for reduction, refinement and replacement (the 3Rs); and that high standards of accommodation and care are achieved.
The Terms of Reference outline how the University of Manchester meet the requirements of an AWERB.
The operational processes that AWERB follow support the Terms of Reference.
Additional Terms of Reference are in place for the Category D sub-committee and the 3Rs subgroup.
Categories of research and/or teaching involving animals covered by the policy and the related ethical review requirements
As outlined in the policy, work with animals is divided into four categories:
Category A. The use of living vertebrates and cephalopods in scientific procedures within the University and the UK which are regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).
If you are a researcher employed by the University of Manchester, you should complete the Category A AWERB Form.
If you are external to the University, you should complete the Category A AWERB Licence Holder Not Employed by UoM Form.
Category B. The use of living vertebrates and cephalopods in scientific procedures that would fall under the definitions of ASPA if conducted in the UK but are being conducted outside the UK.
Research that falls into Category B (collaboration with other laboratories outside of the UK or where animal facilities are being provided by third parties outside of the UK) requires ethical approval by the AWERB. The ethics committee will need to be satisfied that the welfare standards are consistent with UK and local legislation and that the principles set out in this policy are applied and maintained.
If you are a member of staff employed by the University of Manchester you should complete the Category B AWERB Form.
If you are an undergraduate student at the University of Manchester arranging an SBS placement, you should complete the Category B AWERB Student Placement Pathway Form.
Category C. The use of tissue harvested from living vertebrates and cephalopods killed solely for research or teaching regardless of where the animals or tissue were sourced.
Research that falls into Category C requires appropriate and proportionate ethical review by the University.
If you are a member of staff employed by the University of Manchester, you should complete the Category C AWERB Form.
Category D. The use of animals in scientific enquiry not regulated under ASPA 1986 because the animals are not vertebrates or cephalopods, or the research and/or teaching activity does not involve the animal in scientific procedures. Category D work includes all activities involving interactions with animals in the environment that either removes the animal or makes changes to the animal’s environment. Examples may take the form of student research projects or placement year studies, animal dependent field research, non-ASPA laboratory research, studies of or involving endangered species, behavioural and observation work within the University and on educational field courses, activities for public education and conservation purposes, or research requiring regulatory licences other than ASPA.
Research that falls into Category D requires appropriate and proportionate ethical review.
If the work proposed is to be hosted at the University of Manchester, you should complete the Category D AWERB Form.
If the work is to be hosted or carried out at another organisation, you should complete the Host Category D AWERB Form.
For advice and guidance please contact the AWERB Secretary (AWERB.Secretary@manchester.ac.uk) and/or BSF (bsf.enquiries@manchester.ac.uk).