Research Involving Animals
For some types of fundamental research, such as research on the control of physiological processes or where organ to organ communication plays an important role, there are no alternative approaches to using animals. The development of disease frequently involves complex interactions between different systems or organs within the body.
Prior to introducing stem cell therapies into clinical application it is necessary to gather as much preliminary data as possible to confirm that such therapies are safe.
In these instances, studies using alternatives to animals (including cells and cell lines, tissue cultures or whole organs, computer modeling and human studies) can only provide limited information.
UK research using protected animals in scientific procedures with the potential to cause harm is regulated by the European Directive (86/609/EEC) and by the Animals (Scientific Procedures Act) 1986, administered by the Home Office.
In May 2008 new guidelines for scientists using animals in research have been issued by several of the UK's major funding bodies - the Medical Research Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Natural Environment Research Council and the Wellcome Trust.
All research at NESCI is conducted with the policies on animal research at the respective universities:
Durham University: PDF , Newcastle University: PDF
In short, NESCI will conduct research using animals only if:
• it is fully compliant with stringent Home Office regulations ;
• it has been approved by a local ethics committee;
• it has been independently peer reviewed;
In all NESCI research, due consideration is given to the refinement, reduction or replacement of the animals trials and researchers ensure that no viable non-animal alternatives exist.
