Transparency and accountability
We work hard in order to not just meet, but wherever possible exceed, legal standards and research guidelines for the husbandry, care and use of animals.
Our ethical policy statement
You can read our ethical policy on the use of animals in research by downloading the PDF below.
Download our ethical policy statement on animal research (PDF, 54kB)
Animal research procedure
Research involving regulated procedures is licensed and strictly regulated by the Home Office under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, and the University and its researchers are subject to inspection by the Home Office who examine all aspects of animal research, care and welfare.
There are three levels of licensing that are required before any regulated work is performed
- The place (establishment licence)
- The project (project licence)
- The person (personal licence)
We are committed to following animal research guidelines developed by learned societies and organisations (for example IAT, LASA, LAVA), exceeding legal standards of care (ASPA 1986) and fostering a culture of care among our staff and researchers who work with animals.
We work hard in order to not just meet, but wherever possible exceed, legal standards and research guidelines for the husbandry, care and use of animals. The care of animals is in the hands of trained, experienced and dedicated staff.
Concordat on openness in animal research
The University of Sheffield is a signatory to the Concordat on openness in animal research.
Signed by 127 higher education institutions, bio-industry companies, charities and research councils, this pledges transparency and public engagement on research involving animals. The Concordat informs our standards and governance.
Our research
All of our research is underpinned by the guiding principles of the three R's, replacement, reduction and refinement, see the National centre for the replacement, refinement and reduction of animals in research (NC3Rs).
Our scientists are dedicated to replacing the use of animals with alternative techniques, avoiding the use of animals altogether; reducing the number of animals used to a minimum by carefully designing experiments that yield statistically robust data and refining procedures to minimise any pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm to the animals under study.
When an alternative method is available, the University is legally required to use it, ensuring that animals are only used in research when absolutely necessary.
As an organisation, we fully support and endorse animal research: reporting of in vivo experiments guidelines, developed to improve the design, analysis and reporting of animal research.