About Research
The public debate on animal research sometimes gets so heated that the facts can be overlooked. How many animals are used in research every year? Do people know that most of them are mice or rats? Why are animals genetically modified? How is animal research regulated? How are the animals cared for? What actually happens to research animals? How does the use of animals in research and testing compare with other uses of animals by society?
In our About Research section, we aim to answer all these questions. More
Monkeys in medical research
A very small percentage (around 0.1%) of animal research uses non-human primates – usually small monkeys like marmosets or these macaques. Great apes are not used in UK research. These macaques were filmed in their living quarters in a UK research facility in early 2005.
Monkeys can only be used in research when no alternative – animal or non-animal – is suitable. But a small number is still vital to our understanding of complex human diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and HIV.
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Your Health
Medical research has saved and improved the lives of millions of people. Animals have benefited too. Today's medicines and surgical techniques could not have been discovered without better understanding of read more
Learning Centre
Animal research is an important, emotive and engaging topic that is ideal for generating impassioned discussion and debate and for 'examining the ethical and moral implications of using and applying science', as required by read more
Policy Issues
Across the world governments regulate the use of animals in research in many different ways. The UK was the first country in the world to protect research animals, through a law in 1876. This was introduced even before there were any laws to protect children.
In general the laws seek to strike a balance between scientific/medical progress and animal welfare. Over time, the laws in some countries have become quite complex, and encompass many different themes. read more
Your Views
Public opinion surveys over the last decade have shown that people in the UK have quite positive views about animal research. Most surveys show that about three quarters of people accept the need to use animals in research to make medical progress.
In Your Views, we will also give you the chance to find out where you stand on the use of animals in research, to sign up to Understanding Animal Research and receive our regular news, and to send us your stories about how animal research has helped you, your family or your friends. read more
Get in-depth information on the contribution of animal research to medicine