Animal Welfare

Animal research is an important part of scientific discovery, but it must be conducted transparently and responsibly. The Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK encourages institutions to be clear about when, how, and why animals are used, helping to build trust, understanding, and engagement with the public and research community.

The Concordat is a voluntary initiative, and as a signatory, our university has committed to demonstrating openness and accountability in all areas of animal research. Signatories pledge to:

• Be clear about the use of animals in research – providing accurate, accessible information about why animals are needed and how they are cared for.
• Enhance communication and dialogue – engaging with the public, media, and other stakeholders about animal research.
• Share best practice – exchanging information with other institutions to improve transparency and standards.
• Report progress – regularly reviewing and reporting on activities to demonstrate ongoing commitment to openness.

By participating in the Concordat, the University of Glasgow shows that transparency and ethical responsibility are integral to our research culture. It aligns with the values of our Culture of Care, helping ensure that welfare, scientific integrity, and public trust are at the heart of everything we do.

• The Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK
• The University's pages on the Concordat

Technicians are central to a healthy culture of care. Their expertise supports high-quality research, ensures excellent animal welfare, and maintains safe, well-functioning facilities. Yet technical staff have often faced limited recognition or unclear pathways for development, which can affect wellbeing and job satisfaction. The Technician Commitment helps address these challenges by ensuring that technicians feel valued, supported and empowered in their roles; key components of a positive, compassionate working environment.

The Technician Commitment is a national initiative that universities pledge to uphold in order to improve visibility and long-term support for technical staff. As a signatory, the University of Glasgow has committed to action in four key areas that directly strengthen our culture of care:

• Visibility – recognising and celebrating the essential contributions of technical staff within our research and care environments.
• Recognition – supporting professional registration and acknowledging specialist expertise and achievements.
• Career Development – ensuring technicians have access to training, progression pathways and opportunities to grow in their roles.
• Sustainability – protecting and developing technical skills so that staff, animals and research environments remain well supported into the future.

By championing these principles, the Technician Commitment reinforces the values at the heart of our Culture of Care: respect for people, support for wellbeing, and the belief that high standards in animal welfare and science depend on a well-supported, well-recognised technical community.

• The Technician Commitment
• Read the University's pages on the Technician Commitment, including a statement from the Principal in 2018

High-quality reporting is essential for reproducible and ethical animal research. The ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) guidelines provide a framework for researchers to report animal studies transparently and completely. By following ARRIVE, institutions and scientists ensure that experimental design, methods, and outcomes are clearly documented, reducing unnecessary repetition of studies, supporting animal welfare, and strengthening the reliability of research findings.

• ARRIVE
• The University of Glasgow is a supporter of ARRIVE
• Read our university pages on the ARRIVE guidelines

The University of Glasgow’s animal research policy can be read here. This policy outlines a number of commitments relevant to promoting a culture of care throughout the university:

1. Commitment to the 3Rs and Welfare – All research using animals follows the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement, minimising numbers and maximising welfare through careful procedures, care routines, and husbandry.

2. High-Quality, Licensed Research – Animals are only used when essential, in research of the highest quality, and under Home Office licences, ensuring potential benefits are weighed against animal impact.

3. Ethical Review and Support – Ethical oversight includes internal and external members, lay representation, and active involvement of veterinary and animal care staff, providing guidance, training, and ongoing support to researchers.

4. Transparency and Reporting – The university is committed to clear reporting of animal research and has adopted the ARRIVE guidelines to improve the completeness and quality of experimental reporting.

These four points highlight the university’s commitment to ethical practice, welfare, and a supportive research environment—all central elements of a Culture of Care.

The University’s AWERB Guidelines and Policies bring together practical, up-to-date guidance to support high standards of animal welfare and responsible research practice. These documents cover a wide range of topics including: rehoming, aged animal care, blood sampling, needle reuse, and the importation of animals. They provide clear expectations for anyone working under the Establishment Licence.

Whether you are new to animal research or an experienced member of staff, these policies can help you plan procedures, refine your work, and ensure consistent, high-quality care. We encourage all staff and students involved in animal research to familiarise themselves with this guidance and return to it whenever they need support or clarification.

• AWERB guidelines and policies (requires login)