Policy on the use of animals in research
Only a small percentage of medical, biological and psychological research involves the use of animals.
At the University of St Andrews, animals may only be used in research programmes where their use is shown to be essential. Our scientists are continually actively seeking alternative methods and techniques that will enable them to further their research without involving animals by working with isolated molecules, cells and tissues and computer simulations. Where alternatives cannot be found, only the smallest possible number of animals is used and our scientists and support staff work hard to ensure that these animals are cared for in accordance with the highest standards of husbandry.
The Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee - which includes amongst its members a vet, animal care staff and a lay person independent of the University - scrutinises proposals in relation to the scientific and ethical justification of animal use. The Committee also provides information and advice on best practice in animal welfare and on new techniques to avoid animal use. The UK legislation which governs the use of animals is widely viewed as the most rigorous in the world and the Home Office Inspectors who administer it maintain continuous inspection programmes in the facilities where work is carried out.
1 October 2008