Principles on animal research

We are dedicated to improving patient lives and outcomes through high-quality research to better diagnose and treat MSK disorders. To achieve this, many types of research methods are harnessed to achieve results. These include clinical trials, use of tissues samples, computer models and, when appropriate, animals. All approaches, including research using animals, play a vital role in the medical research process.

As a proud member of the AMRC, we support the principle of using animals in research, when necessary, to advance diagnosis and treatment of serious health conditions, where there is no alternative that can be used.

We do not take the decision to fund animal research lightly. We are committed to undertaking high quality animal research that is well-designed, uses rigorous and expert review, is well-reported, and ethically justified.

Principles of the 3 Rs

We are committed to the 3Rs as basic principles to ensure the use of animals in research is ethical.

• Replacement: employing alternative techniques or avoiding using animals altogether.
• Reduction: using as few animals as possible.
• Refinement: improving animal welfare through housing and improving how experiments are carried out to minimise discomfort.

ORUK supports the implementation of the 3Rs through the application and expert review process and promoting the 3Rs in our terms and conditions.

High standards of animal welfare – including housing conditions and well-trained animal technologists – are vital to us. These minimise discomfort for animals and enable researchers to get reliable results. We regularly adopt best practices and ensure we can exceed the regulatory requirements to improve animal welfare and science.

Research funded outside of the UK must be carried out in the spirit of UK legislation as well as being compliant with all local legislation and ethical review processes.

We are committed to openness and transparency around the use of animals in research. We recognise that not everybody is comfortable with the use of animals in research. Along with other medical research charities, we work together through AMRC to continually review our funding practices and engage with the wider scientific community to encourage better practice and development of animal alternatives.