Animal research at the University of Sheffield
We are at the forefront of innovative and life-saving research
World-leading research at the University of Sheffield makes an essential contribution to medical and scientific advancement. Researchers at the University are at the forefront of research in the biological and medical sciences and contribute to developments in understanding and treating diseases that affect both humans and animals. They play a vital role in developing drugs and treatments for pressing health problems including cancer, deafness, heart disease, Parkinson´s and muscular dystrophy.
Studies involving animals are only a small part of the University´s overall programme of this important and life-saving research. The majority of research at the University is carried out using techniques such as cell and tissue culture, molecular biology, computer modelling and the study of samples from humans.
However, there is currently no complete substitute for animals in some aspects of this research and it is still sometimes necessary to use the appropriate animal model of human disease in order to make significant advancements in health and medicine, and help the lives of many.
We are committed to finding alternatives
The University is committed to finding alternatives to animals and for many years scientists have been actively seeking ways to substitute other research procedures for those that previously involved animals. Animals are only used in the University´s research when no satisfactory alternative can be found.
The University has been at the forefront of exploiting tissue culture as an effective way of producing large amounts of high quality antibodies for medical research, reducing the number of animals needed for research. It has also received grants from the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research to fund further antibody-related research and for other work aimed at refining existing animal models of disease.
We meet and exceed legal care standards
Research programmes involving animals at the University are expected to meet all four of the following conditions: the research is likely to produce a useful scientific outcome; there is no satisfactory alternative to using animals; the minimum number of animals necessary to produce meaningful results will be used in conducting the research; and that the animals involved experience the minimum harm.
Work involving regulated procedures is licensed and strictly regulated by the Home Office under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, and the University and its researchers are subject to inspection by the Home Office who examine all aspects of animal research, care and welfare.
The University is committed to not just meeting, but wherever possible exceeding, legal standards for the husbandry, care and use of animals. Care of animals is in the hands of trained, experienced and dedicated staff.
For further information about the use of animals in scientific and medical research, please visit: