We strive to practise the highest standards of welfare in all our animal research: good animal welfare and good science go hand-in-hand.
We embrace a ‘Culture of Care’ across the university and pride ourselves on the exceptionally high standards of care offered to all animals.
Animal Welfare
It is the responsibility of all staff involved in animal research at the University to ensure optimal care and welfare as well as compliance with legislation.
Under ASPA (1986), designated individuals have detailed responsibilities for the oversight of care and welfare of animals. These include:
- The Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO) - oversees day-to-day welfare and care of animals.
- The Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS) - provides care, support and advice on the health, welfare, and treatment of animals.
- The Named Training and Competence Officer (NTCO) - ensures that those dealing with animals are adequately educated, trained, and supervised.
- The Named Information Officer (NIO) - is familiar with all aspects of ASPA and provides advice on a wide range of topics, including choice of species, etc.
RGU has a Home Office Liaison Contact who acts as a central point of communication between the University and the Home Office.
The university also follows the Laboratory Animal Science Association (LASA) Guidelines.
Ethical Review Body
The Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) oversees all animal research at the University.
The AWERB guides all aspects of animal welfare and provides an ethical review of all research projects and protocols which involve animals in any way. It delivers advice on standards of animal care, welfare, and accommodation. The committee consists of internal and external members, including scientists, veterinarians, and lay members. The chairperson for the University’s AWERB is external and therefore independent of the University.
In addition to the AWERB, the University has a separate 3Rs committee that advises on the reduction, refinement, and replacement of animals in research.