Use of animals in research
- The University of Leeds carries out research on animals to improve
the health and welfare of human beings and animals, and to provide
a better understanding of the animals themselves. It uses animals
only when there are no alternatives, and is firmly committed to the
principles of replacement, refinement and reduction of animals in
research.
- Research using animals is driving fundamental advances in understanding,
treating and curing a range of health problems including cancer, heart
disease, diabetes and mental illness, and continues to enable fundamental
advances in our understanding of diseases.
- The University will use alternatives to animals wherever possible,
such as computer modelling, tissue culture, cell and molecular biology,
and research with human subjects. But these cannot yet properly reproduce
the complex biological characteristics of man and animals and nor
can they replicate the study of wild animals in their natural environment.
- All research involving animals is carried out to high standards
of humane care and treatment within a strict framework of legal controls.
Projects must also be approved by an ethical review committee, and
researchers are trained in the ethical dimensions of their work and
in standards of animal care, welfare and accommodation.
Links
Understanding Animal Research http://www.UnderstandingAnimalResearch.org.uk
Home Office: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/animal-testing/
National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research: http://www.nc3rs.org.uk