We are dedicated to improving patient lives and outcomes through high-quality research to better diagnose and treat musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. 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 Association of Medical Research Charities (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.

Typical application questions on animal research

1) Does your project involve the use of animals? Including any species of animal who will be impacted by: 

• Procedures under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986 (ASPA) YES/NO
• Procedures under the Veterinary Surgeons Act, 1966 (VSA) YES/NO
• The use of animal tissue YES/NO
• Any other use, involvement, or impact YES/NO

[For projects which do not involve the use of animals questions stop here]

2) (If yes to any in Q1) Have the following necessary approvals been given by: 

1. The Home Office (in relation to personal, project and establishment licences)? YES/NO/NOT REQUIRED
2. Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body? YES/NO/NOT REQUIRED

3) (If yes to any in Q1) Does your project involve the use of animals or animal tissue outside the UK? YES/NO

1. If yes, please provide describe and evidence of how the research will be conducted in accordance with welfare standards consistent with the principles of UK legislation. (no more than 250 words)
2. If yes, will the expectations set out in ‘Responsibility in the Use of Animals in Bioscience Research’ be applied and maintained? YES/NO

4) Why is the use of animals both necessary and justified? Are there any other possible approaches? What consideration has been given to these? (no more than 250 words)

5) Describe approaches you will take in your proposed work to replace or reduce the use of animals. (no more than 250 words) 

6) What species of animal will your proposal involve? Select all that apply, including those not protected under UK law. 

7) Why is the species/model to be used the most appropriate? (no more than 250 words)

8) Will genetically modified animals be used? YES/NO If yes, provide details below (no more than 250 words)

9) What would be the maximum severity of the procedures?

• MILD
• MODERATE
• SEVERE
• NON-RECOVERY

10) Please provide details of the mild, moderate, severe, or non-recovery procedures (no more than 250 words)

11) Describe the experimental procedures involved. Highlight any adverse effects the animals may experience and how these have been refined to minimise the risk of disturbance, pain, distress, or lasting harm.

Where your proposal includes experiments on living animals, we recommend that you refer to the NC3Rs’ Experimental Design Assistant (EDA).

12) How have you refined the housing and care of the animals to maximise welfare and minimise the pain, suffering and distress they experience? (no more than 250 words)

13) Please describe the number of animals to be used per experiment (no more than 250 words).

• How was the sample size was calculated?
• Show power calculations
• Include justification for the effect size chosen.
• Include what outcome measure was used to determine this sample size.
• Consider any risks associated with not achieving the sample size required.
• If power calculations are not appropriate, justify why and provide a principled explanation of the choice of sample size.

14) Please describe the sex distribution of animals to be used per experiment. If the proposed study is not using both sexes, provide a justification. (no more than 250 words).

15) Please describe experimental design measures to reduce subjective bias, including masking (blinding), randomisation and inclusion and exclusion criteria. (no more than 250 words)