Enhancing the Ethical and Scientific Impact of Research Involving Animals at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø

The use of animals in biomedical research remains essential for improving human health, and until valid alternatives are available, researchers will continue to rely on animal models. At 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, the use of animals in research is strictly regulated by ethical committees ensuring that all animals are treated with the uttermost respect and in line with high standards of welfare and care. The 51³Ô¹ÏÍø 3Rs Hub was created in 2021 to renew 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s long-term strategy of ensuring that the College remains a leader in ethical principles of animal research. 

3RsHub developed a dedicated for the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of the use of animals in research) at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, alongside a range of content designed to provide educational resources for the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø community and beyond, engage the public and showcase the University's leadership in advancing the 3Rs. Building on this initial phase of online content development, the project sought to expand its public engagement activities by opening the doors of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's state-of-the-art animal facilities through delivering the following objectives:

      • Foster 51³Ô¹ÏÍø openness and transparency in animal research.
      • Promote the 3RsHub leadership profile in public engagement projects.

The 3RsHub proposal had two main public engagement projects designed to increase understanding of why animals are used in research, how animal welfare is safeguarded, and what alternatives are being developed to reduce and replace animal use. 

“We wanted this project to create a genuine opportunity for people to see behind the scenes of animal research and understand the safeguards, expertise and commitment that underpin it. It has been particularly rewarding to see how these activities have helped make a complex and often sensitive area of research more accessible, while demonstrating 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to openness, transparency and the principles of the 3Rs,”
Anna Napolitano, 3Rs and Communications Programme Manager and project leader.

The first aspect of the project involved developing 360° virtual tours of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's animal research facilities, which are accessible from the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Animal Research webpage as part of a long-term commitment to openness and transparency. The virtual experiences allow visitors to explore areas that are typically inaccessible to the public and hear directly from staff and researchers about their roles and responsibilities. The recorded content places particular emphasis on the principles of the 3Rs, demonstrating how animal welfare considerations are integrated into facility design, animal husbandry, veterinary care, and experimental procedures. By providing an authentic view of the environments in which animals are housed and cared for, the tours offer valuable insight into the day-to-day experiences of laboratory animals and the measures taken to safeguard their welfare and minimise harm. Launched at the 2026 Great Exhibition Road Festival, the virtual tours successfully engaged a diverse audience, including families, students, and members of the wider public.

“Rats are an important experimental model...wow” Testimony from GERF participant

The second objective of the project was to develop a stand at the 2026 Great Exhibition Road Festival (GERF) that would enable direct engagement with the public, providing an in-person opportunity to demonstrate 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to openness and high standards of animal welfare. In line with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration, the activity was developed with the collaboration of in vivo researchers, animal care staff, and researchers working with alternative research models. By bringing together expertise from across the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø community, the project provided a balanced and transparent perspective on modern biomedical research. The combination of hands-on activities, visual exhibits, and direct discussions with staff volunteering at the exhibition generated high levels of engagement across a wide range of age groups. Visitors responded particularly positively to the virtual tour and mock ultrasound activity, which helped make complex research practices more accessible, tangible, and easier to understand.

Survey results collected during the festival showed an increase in visitors' understanding of animal research after engaging with the exhibit. The resources developed for the project, including the virtual tour and educational materials, will continue to support future public engagement, outreach, and educational activities, such as the contributions to a science-themed podcast series produced by Science Communication students at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and participation at the New Scientist live 2026 event in collaboration with . Overall, the project has helped raise the profile of Central Biomedical Services (CBS) and animal research among wider public audiences.

 

“I learned lots of insightful knowledge goes behind the use of animals in research. I wasn’t aware of all of this, thanks” - Testimony from GERF participant