Animal Welfare

The 3Rs - Replacement, Reduction and Refinement - form the foundation of responsible, ethical animal research. They are more than regulatory expectations; they are core principles that shape how we design studies, care for animals, and evaluate our scientific practices.

Replacement encourages the use of non-animal methods wherever possible.
Reduction promotes well-designed studies that use the minimum number of animals needed for meaningful results.
Refinement focuses on improving procedures, housing, handling, and care to minimise pain, distress and discomfort.

The 3Rs are essential for ensuring high welfare standards, but they also directly support the wellbeing of staff and students. Working within a strong 3Rs framework helps create a more compassionate, thoughtful research environment - one in which people can feel confident that their work aligns with their values. Refinement practices, for example, not only improve animal care but can also reduce emotional strain for those who interact closely with animals. Likewise, implementing better models or more humane techniques can make daily work more rewarding and ethically grounded.

By embedding the 3Rs into our culture of care, we aim to foster high-quality science, promote animal welfare, and support a healthier, more positive working environment for everyone involved.

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First published: 8 December 2025