Animal Research Policy

Medical Research Scotland is committed to supporting research of the highest quality to improve our understanding of basic disease processes; the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease; and medical technology. We fund a broad range of research, including early stage laboratory research, diagnostics, drug development, bioengineering, and big data and computer analysis.

Where there are no feasible alternatives, we will fund research which uses animals. Any research involving animals funded by us must comply with UK legislation and Home Office Guidelines and implement the principles of the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research 3Rs, namely:

• Replace the use of animals with alternative methods, where possible;
• Reduce the number of animals used; and
• Refine experimental methods and care and attention of animals to achieve the highest welfare standards.
• Decisions to fund research involving animals are not taken lightly and applications are peer reviewed by experts to ensure these principles are followed.

When we fund research outside the UK that involves animals, as a minimum standard the research must be conducted in accordance with the rules set out in UK legislation and in accordance with UK animal welfare.

Medical Research Scotland is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and supports the AMRC Statement on the use of animals in research.