Use of animals in research and teaching

The University of Surrey is committed to providing excellence and impact in research and teaching to bring positive change to societies and environments. Whenever possible, we will use non-animal based technologies to achieve this goal. However, we recognise that under some clearly defined conditions, we may need to use animals in our research and teaching activities. Regardless of how or where animals are used by University staff and students, we are committed to ensuring that their use is subject to rigorous ethical review, the animals are cared for to a high standard by trained individuals and the 3Rs (replace, reduce, refine) of animal research are consistently applied.

The University of Surrey is a world-class, research-led University and has invested in a state-of-the-art animal facility to support our commitment to research excellence.

The Biomedical Research facility provides in vivo research support for internal and external research groups working with small animals.

Our facility provides inherent enabling activity for our world-leading biosciences and health research that extends all the way from studying molecules to performing clinical trials of new medicines in humans.

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About us

We are fully Home Office compliant. The Biomedical Research Facility team is comprised of highly skilled individuals supporting in vivo research. 

We provide animal care services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With animal welfare at our core, we support research projects working with a variety of small animals.

We offer housing options for mice, rats, rabbits and guinea pigs, all in the latest highest specification caging systems. Along with shared and dedicated procedural rooms we have specialist suites including: Containment level two; surgical; and sleep / circadian rhythm.

Concordat on Openness on Animal Research

Concordat logo

The University of Surrey is a signatory of the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research. As such, we have agreed to fulfil the four commitments:

  • Commitment one: We will be clear about when, how and why we use animals in research.
  • Commitment two: We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our research using animals.
  • Commitment three: We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research using animals.
  • Commitment four: We will report on progress annually and share our experiences.
The BRF team is proud to contribute to the University ‘one health’ vision by providing the best care possible for our animals.
Our state of the art facility is the corner stone of our culture of care and our efforts to implement the 3Rs daily.
Biomedical Research Facility Manager