Understanding Animal Research strategy (2024-2028)

Our vision 

A time when everyone understands how and why animals are used in research to benefit society. 

 

Our mission 

UAR: helping people understand how and why animals are used in scientific research 

 

This strategy sets out how we will change perceptions and correct misinformation about how and why animals are used in research to benefit science and society, covering the period 2024-2028 and relating principally to the UK and organisations with a stake in UK bioscience. 

 

Our values 

Our values underpin the work that the team carries out as UAR. They determine what we work on and the tone that we take. The UAR team is committed to: 

Openness 

We believe that communication about the use of animals in research should be open, transparent and based on fact, so that people are able to make a free and accurate judgement on the harms, benefits and limitations of such research. We believe that animal research benefits society, but we should keep challenging ourselves to ensure that the potential benefits justify the harms to the animals, being realistic about what is involved. 

Courage 

UAR is a small organisation with a focused purpose, and we take a courageous position to support our goals. Where necessary, we are free to challenge other organisations, government and practices to support our stated vision and mission, remaining mindful of the constraints placed on organisations that we represent. 

Culture of care 

Animal research should be carried out with care and respect for both the animals involved and the people who work with them. All animals are valued as living beings in their own right, not simply as scientific tools. UAR provides training and resources to support the people who care for research animals. 

The 3Rs 

UAR supports the 3Rs and the continuing improvement and sharing of best practice in animal welfare, scientific approaches and experimental design that alleviate or mitigate animal suffering. We support the phasing in of non-animal technologies as they become available.  

 

Aims 

We will promote information and understanding about the use of animals in research by: 

Engaging the public 

Fostering greater understanding of the use of animals in scientific research by providing information for the public and facilitating dialogue. 

Sharing ideas 

Encouraging and supporting the scientific community to be open in explaining how and why animals are used in research. 

Shaping a safe and supportive environment 

Working for a safe, supportive and open policy, regulatory and operating environment for the humane use of animals in scientific research. 

 

Objectives 

Engage the public 

UAR: 

• Engages new and diverse audiences by creating and sharing content including videos, infographics and images on media platforms. 

• Collaborates with organisations and individuals that lead thinking in science, medicine and animal welfare, as a basis for a conversation with the wider public. 

• Engages with public audiences through its programme of schools’ talks, volunteer training, presence at science fairs and other public speaking opportunities. 

• Listens and responds to public views on the use of animals in research to inform its messages, attitudes and approaches, supporting the life science sector’s responsiveness to public perspectives. 

Share ideas 

UAR: 

• Pioneers a culture of openness around animal research in the UK by creating and managing the Concordat on Openness, awarding Leaders in Openness status and celebrating outstanding practice through the annual Openness Awards. 

• Encourages, trains and facilitates champions and advocates from within and beyond the life-science sector to be open in presenting the full facts about animal research. 

• Is a principal source of expertise in communicating animal research issues to non-specialists, providing a coordinated and coherent public voice. 

• Provides a supportive service and training to members, recognising diverse organisational perspectives, and shares current thinking about communicating animal research. 

Shape a safe and supportive environment 

UAR: 

• Identifies and addresses key policy issues including technological change, the supply chain and animal rights activism.   

• Fosters engagement between politicians and the animal research sector, so that governments and potential leaders understand the need for animal research and the UK’s leadership in life-science research and laboratory animal welfare. 

• Provides practical support to its member organisations. 

• Builds and sustains resilience to antivivisection campaigns based on misinformation countering them with evidence-based communications. 

• Strengthens relationships with UK government, policy organisations, key animal welfare groups and other stakeholders, ensuring that our members’ voices are heard.