Animal Welfare

In Focus: Key Welfare Themes

“In Focus” topics are areas that the Committee is actively exploring because they’re particularly relevant or present a good opportunity for positive change at this time. While these themes receive added discussion and development, our responsibility to all welfare issues remains unchanged. These pages simply showcase what’s currently at the forefront of our work. Explore the sections below to find out more.

A black and white photo of a man holding his face in his hands in a black room
A black and white photo of a man holding his face in his hands in a black room

Understanding Compassion Fatigue

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:24:00 GMT

Compassion fatigue affects up to 86% of animal care staff at some point during their careers and arises from repeated exposure to emotionally challenging situations. It can lead to exhaustion, reduced empathy, stress, and burnout, affecting both staff wellbeing and animal care. Our Culture of Care Committee is focusing on ways to recognise, prevent, and reduce compassion fatigue across the university.

Three pet rats sitting side-by-side in a row, in a dog-like pose, on a black background, all three rats are facing to the right, the first is quite pale coloured, the second two are darker.
Three pet rats sitting side-by-side in a row, in a dog-like pose, on a black background, all three rats are facing to the right, the first is quite pale coloured, the second two are darker.

The 3Rs: A Continuous Priority

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:55:00 GMT

The 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) guide responsible animal research and remain a continuous priority to the University. They help ensure high welfare standards, improve scientific quality, and support the wellbeing of staff and students by promoting ethical, thoughtful and compassionate research practices.