Animal experiments

Medical research is carried out to help improve health and to prevent and treat disease. Research using animals has been integral to a vast range of advances in understanding how the body works in health and disease, and to the search for ways to prevent and treat illness.

Scientific research using animals is tightly controlled in the UK. The use of animals in scientific procedures is regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 which requires a three-level licensing system - personal licence, project licence and certificate of designation. All scientific procedures on animals are guided by a set of principles called the 3Rs: replace animal experiments with non-animal techniques wherever possible; reduce the number of animals to a minimum and use alternative methods where possible; refine the way experiments are carried out, to ensure highest welfare standards.

Below are links to statements and reports by a range of scientific bodies of national or international standing.

UK Academies and learned societies

The Society of Biology is the professional body for UK biologists. 

The Royal Society of London for the Improvement of Natural Knowledge, known simply as the Royal Society is an independent scientific academy founded in 1660, and claims to be the oldest such society still in existance. It plays an influential role in national and international science policy.

The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) is a membership organisation of the leading medical and health research charities in the UK.

The Academy of Medical Sciences promotes advances in medical science and campaigns to ensure these are translated into healthcare benefits for society.

The Physiological Society is a learned society with over 3,000 Members drawn from over 50 countries. 

The British Pharmacological Society is the primary UK learned society concerned with research into drugs and the way they work. Their members work in academia, industry and the health services, and many are medically qualified. The Society covers the whole spectrum of pharmacology, including the laboratory, clinical and toxicological aspects.

The UK Bioscience Sector Coalition is a collection of organisations representing the biological and medical sciencesacross academia, industry, harities and research groups. 

UK Government bodies

The Home Office Animals in Scientific Procedures (ASP) Inspectorate provides scientific advice to the Home Secretary and to officials who operate the system that approves licences for laboratories.

The Animal Procedures Committee (APC) is an advisory, Non-Departmental Public Body established and appointed under the terms of sections 19 and 20 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The role of the APC is to advise the Home Secretary on matters concerning the Act and her/his functions under it. Membership of the committee reflects a wide range of views

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is a publicly-funded organisation dedicated to promoting high-quality research related to biological systems. It is funded by the Government's Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (DBIS).

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is a publicly-funded organisation dedicated to improving human health. It supports research across the entire spectrum of medical sciences. it is funded by the Government's Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (DBIS).

International academies

The American Association for the Advancement of Science is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing science around the world by serving as an educator, leader, spokesperson and professional association.

The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons is the professional body for orthopedic surgery in the United States. The Association engages in health policy and advocacy activities on behalf of patients and professionals

The American Physiological Society (APS) is a non profit organisation, committed to fostering education, scientific research, and dissemination of information in the physiological sciences.

Further reading

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry is the trade association for more than 75 companies in the UK producing prescription medicines

The BioIndustry Association is a trade association for innovative enterprises in the UK's bioscience sector. They are active in representing the sector and its needs to audiences, from patient groups to regional, national and pan-European governments.

The British Association for Psychopharmacology was founded in 1974, with the intention of bringing together those from clinical and experimental disciplines as well as members of the pharmaceutical industry involved in the study of psychopharmacology.

The British Neuroscience Association. The BNA is the largest body representing all aspects of neuroscience from ion channels to whole animal behaviour.

Cancer Research UK is the UK's leading charity dedicated to cancer research.

The European Biomedical Research Association (EBRA) is an association of individuals and organisations in the scientific, medical and veterinary professions in the countries of the Council of Europe. EBRA was established to promote understanding of the importance of animals in medical and veterinary research and to represent the scientific community within Europe.

The National Centre for the 3Rs is an independent organisation, reporting to the Science Minister and stakeholders, providing a UK focus for the promotion, development and implementation of the 3Rs in animal research and testing.

The Wellcome Trust is an independent charity funding research to improve human and animal health. Established in 1936 and with an endowment of around £15 billion, it is the UK's largest non-governmental source of funds for biomedical research.