FAQs

In common with many UK animal facilities, the University of Nottingham holds mice, rats, rabbits, guinea-pigs, hamsters and ferrets. In addition zebra-fish, sticklebacks and amphibians are also held. Cattle, sheep, pigs and fowl are used in agricultural and veterinary research.

Research involving animals is vital to the continued advancement of medical, veterinary and scientific knowledge in a wide range of disciplines. These include: cancer research, diseases associated with ageing, infection and immunity, obesity, diabetes, veterinary and agricultural research.

No cosmetic or safety testing is undertaken at the University of Nottingham. Cosmetic testing is not allowed in the UK.

The University of Nottingham is committed to the 3R's - Reduction, Refinement and Replacement. The University applies these principles wherever possible when conducting research involving animals. We will use alternative technologies wherever feasible. In some cases these methods replace the need for animals, in other cases the non-animal methods complement and reduce the need for subsequent animal studies.

The University of Nottingham has close links with FRAME (Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments). The FRAME Alternatives Laboratory,  based at the University of Nottingham, allows scientists to develop alternative methods using human tissue.

However, despite significant advances in technology there is still a need for research involving animals to take place. The research undertaken at the University of Nottingham includes the study of diseases and biological processes. Such studies require the use of animals that have the same complex biological systems as humans which cannot be replicated using current technology.

The University of Nottingham ensures that all animals are kept in the best possible environment to ensure their health and wellbeing.  They are typically housed in cages or pens filled with bedding and nesting materials and additional play items to prevent boredom. The cages are cleaned and changed frequently to maintain a healthy living environment for the animals. Animals are usually housed in groups to allow for normal social interaction and are handled frequently by staff. This ensures they are used to people, making it easier for staff to check they are in good health.