Animals in research

Animal research at Swansea University

The University is fully committed to the widespread promotion and implementation of the 3Rs (Reduction, Refinement and Replacement) and is a signatory to the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research.

In order to to conduct high quality research, it is sometimes necessary for animals to be involved. Our research involving animals is undertaken with the highest standards of animal care and is only conducted when there are no feasible alternatives.

At Swansea University, some research involving animals is conducted in the fields of animal welfare, behaviour and cognition, ecology and conservation, immunology and neuroscience.

The work our scientists undertake is governed and regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). ASPA regulates procedures that are carried out on ‘protected animals’ for scientific purposes that may cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. ‘Protected animals’ are defined as all living vertebrates, other than a human, including certain immature forms and any living cephalopod.

The official Swansea University policy on the involvement of animals in research can be found here

Governance

Swansea University have an Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) which oversees any research or teaching which involves interventions with animals within the University facilities or in the field. The AWERB is comprised of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including vets, animal welfare officers, scientists and lay people. Its role is to:

promote the ethical considerations of animal use;
ensure that the principles embodied in the 3Rs are implemented;
ensure high standards of animal care and welfare.

Applications to hold project licences (which are ultimately reviewed, authorised and issued by the Home Office) must first be reviewed and approved by the University’s AWERB. The procedure for AWERB review of licence applications is shown here: AWERB review of PPL applications.

In addition, we have an ethical review process for the use of animals in scientific research not regulated under ASPA because the research does not involve regulated procedures (for example, behavioural and observational projects).

As well as reporting to the Establishment Licence holder, the activities of AWERB are also reported to our Research Integrity: Ethics & Governance Committee (URIEG). This Committee sets standards and ensures the University meets its obligations to comply with regulations that govern research. URIEG conducts an annual review of the activities of the AWERB and reports to Senate.

The AWERB may be contacted via erp@swansea.ac.uk

Further information on the University's work with animals can be found at:

CSAR

Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research

SLAM

Swansea Lab for Animal Movement

Biosciences

Animal research in the field

Roles and responsibilities

In accordance with ASPA, Swansea University has the following roles and responsibilities, all of which work together to ensure the highest standards of animal care and welfare:

Establishment Licence Holder (ELH)

The ELH is accountable for the performance and conduct of the named persons. The role ensures that named persons have the necessary authority to carry out their roles effectively. This Named responsibility ensures that the requirements of ASPA and conditions of the Licence are complied with.

Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS)

The NVS is responsible for, monitors and provides advice on the health, welfare and treatment of animals and helps the Establishment Licence holder to fulfil his/her responsibilities.

The NVS is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) with expertise in the species being used at Swansea University and is actively involved, in safeguarding the welfare of animals at the Establishment.

Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO)

The NACWO is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day husbandry, care and welfare of the protected animals held at Swansea University.

They are a source of independent advice on welfare and care to minimise suffering and optimise the welfare of all animals that are bred, kept for use or used at the Establishment.

Named Information Officer (NIO)

The NIO is responsible for ensuring that those dealing with animals at Swansea University have access to information they need about the species held here and procedures being performed.

Named Training and Competency Officer (NTCO)

This NTCO ensures that all those dealing with animals are adequately educated, trained and supervised until they are competent and that they continue to undertake continued professional development to maintain their expertise.

See here for the Swansea University NTCO training & competency framework

Home Office Liaison Contact (HOLC)

The HOLC is the key contact with the Home Office, liaising over licence applications and other matters. The HOLC receives all Home Office communications on behalf of the establishment licence holder and cascades those communications as appropriate to others in the establishment.

Animal statistics