Concordat on Openness: UK DRI signs four key pledges on transparency about animal research

We are pleased to become a signatory of the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK, joining a large coalition of world-class research organisations that are committed to transparency about animal research.

The Concordat on Openness is a set of commitments for UK-based life science organisations to enhance their animal research communications. Launched by Understanding Animal Research in 2014, the Concordat has over 100 signatories including research institutes, universities, pharmaceutical companies and charities.

Many of the major breakthroughs that underpin modern medicine – including antibiotics, treatments for cancer and HIV, transplants, and vaccines – would not have been possible without the use of animals in research.

The UK DRI has had robust policies in place around the use of animals in research since our inception. We are committed to enabling the use of non-animal alternatives wherever possible, a policy guided and informed by the principles of the 3Rs from the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) to replace, refine and reduce animal studies. By signing the Concordat, we have now also committed to four key pledges around our communications, to ensure the public can access transparent information on our use of animals in research.

By signing the Concordat, we have agreed to abide by the following four commitments in our communications:

1. We will be clear about when, how and why we use animals in research
2. We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our research using animals
3. We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research using animals
4. We will report on progress annually and share our experiences

Dr Frances Wiseman, UK DRI Programme Lead for Animal Models, said:

“I’m delighted that the UK DRI has signed the Concordat in accordance with our commitment to research transparency and public understanding of how work in animals facilitates the key mission of the Institute to understand and develop novel treatments for dementia-causing diseases.

Openness about animal research is important to both ensure ongoing public support and to help researchers think critically about the role of animal model work in their research. I look forward to working with other Concordant signatories and our scientists to continue to facilitate scientific and welfare excellence across the UK DRI”.

Read the UK DRI statement on the use of animals in research here.

Article published: 16 February 2023
Banner image: Concordat on Openness in Animal Research