Research involving animals

The University of Sheffield has a longstanding and world-leading reputation for research excellence. We are passionate about tackling global health problems by translating pioneering science into effective therapies to help improve lives.

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Research involving animals

As part of our efforts to remain at the forefront of medical and scientific advances, which results in life-saving treatment for people with chronic and degenerative diseases, we conduct limited research using animals.

Animal research plays a vital role in improving outcomes for patients in the clinic and is only carried out where there is absolutely no alternative available to progress treatments for particular diseases.

Prior to starting any work with animals all of our research is reviewed by our Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) to meet the highest level of ethical conduct and to ensure that animal welfare is a priority. Our research with animals contributes to groundbreaking developments in understanding and treating major diseases such as cancer, deafness, MND, heart disease and Parkinson's which devastate millions of lives every year.

The University is committed to openness around its animal research and we present information about the type and number of animals used at the University each year. In addition, we hold several outreach events each year to share our work with a wider audience and to encourage and inspire the next generation of scientists.

Our scientists are fully committed to finding other alternatives to research that is currently dependent on animals. However, we are not yet at the point where these techniques can entirely replace the need for animals in research.

Learn more about our transparency and accountability


Finding alternatives

Our scientists have pioneered a number of initiatives to reduce the number of animals used in research around the world

Read about reducing and replacing animal research techniques

Flagship institutes

The University’s four flagship institutes bring together our key strengths to tackle global issues, turning interdisciplinary and translational research into real-world solutions.