3Rs - search page

The use of animals in scientific research remains a vital tool in improving our understanding of how biological systems work both in health and disease, and in the development of new medicines, treatments and technologies. Underpinning this research is a strong commitment to maintaining a rigorous regulatory system which ensures that animal research is carried out only where no practicable alternative exists and under controls which keep suffering to a minimum. This is achieved through robustly applying the principles of the 3Rs to all research proposals involving the use of animals.

ALTBIB is a search tool that retrieves PubMed citations on alternatives to the use of live vertebrates in biomedical research and testing. It includes citations from published articles, books, book chapters, and technical reports. It also provides links to news sources and additional resources on alternatives to animal testing.

A wide variety of topics are covered, including biologics and vaccines, carcinogenesis, cytotoxicity, ecotoxicity, genotoxicity, hepatic/renal toxicity, immunotoxicity/immunology, neurotoxicity, ocular toxicity, pharmacokinetic/mechanistic studies, pyrogenicity, pulmonary toxicity, quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR), reproductive and developmental toxicity, skin toxicity, and animal welfare.

Guidlines from the British Psychological Society's Standing Advisory Committee on the Welfare of Animals in Psychology. This was developed in cooperation with EPS.

Understanding Animal Research aim to provide all you want to know about animal research, whether you are a concerned member of the public or have a special interest.

The use of animals in research, teaching and testing is an important ethical and political issue. Much of the discussion about this issue revolves around the relative value, often referred to as 'moral value', of humans and animals.