Research with animals

Research using animals has made, and continues to make, a vital contribution to improving the quality of life of people and animals across the world by helping to alleviate disease and suffering.

Animals have contributed to almost every medical advance of the last century; from blood transfusions, antibiotics and insulin for diabetes; to heart and lung machines for open heart surgery, chemotherapy for leukaemia and life support systems for premature babies.

While new methods have enabled scientists and medical researchers to reduce work involving animals, some work must continue for further fundamental advances to be made.

At Liverpool, we are committed to the principles of the 3Rs – the reduction, refinement and replacement of animal models. For each of our research projects this ensures, as far as is reasonably practicable, that no non-animal alternative is possible, that the number of animals used is minimised and that procedures and standards of care are refined to maximise welfare.

We are also a signatory to the Concordat on Openness in Animal Research. Signed by higher education institutions, bio-industry companies, charities and research councils, the Concordat pledges transparency and public engagement on research involving animals.

Learn more about our legislation, governance and standards and read our case studies to find out how research with animals has helped our scientists make life-enhancing advances in human and animal health.

For further information please email awcom@liverpool.ac.uk.