Ten organisations account for half of all animal research in Great Britain in 2024 

• 99% of procedures carried out in mice, fish, rats, and birds 

• 82% of procedures caused pain equivalent to, or less than, an injection 

• 72 research institutions and funders have proactively shared their 2024 animal research statistics 

Download "10 organisations carried out half of animal research in Great Britain in 2024"
 

Today, 23 October 2025, Understanding Animal Research (UAR) has published a list of the ten organisations that carried out the highest number of animal procedures – those used in medical, veterinary, and scientific research – in Great Britain in 2024. These statistics are freely available on the organisations’ websites as part of their ongoing commitment to transparency and openness around the use of animals in research.  

This list coincides with the publication of the Home Office’s report on the statistics of scientific procedures on living animals in Great Britain in 2024.  

The ten listed organisations were responsible for 1,379,399 procedures, 52% (more than half) of the 2,637,578 procedures carried out on animals for scientific research in Great Britain in 2024*. Of these 1,379,399 procedures, more than 99% were carried out on mice, fish, rats, and birds and 82% were classified as causing pain equivalent to, or less than, an injection.  

The ten organisations are listed below alongside the total number of procedures they carried out in 2024. Each organisation’s name links to its animal research webpage, which includes more detailed statistics. Case studies explaining how animal research has been used in recent medical research are also provided in the Notes to Editors section. This is the tenth consecutive year that organisations have come together to publicise their collective statistics and examples of their research. 
 

Organisation	Number of Procedures (2024)
The Francis Crick Institute	200,055
University of Oxford	199,730
University of Cambridge	190,448
UCL	175,687
Medical Research Council	140,602
University of Edinburgh	136,862
King's College London	106,300
University of Glasgow	99,509
University of Manchester	81,252
Imperial College London	48,954
TOTAL	1,379,399

Seventy-two organisations have proactively published their 2024 animal research statistics

UAR has also produced a list (see appendix) of 72 organisations in the UK that have publicly shared their 2024 animal research statistics. This includes organisations that carry out or fund animal research. 

All organisations are committed to the ethical framework called the ‘3Rs’ of replacement, reduction and refinement. This means avoiding or replacing the use of animals where possible, minimising the number of animals used per experiment and optimising the experience of the animals to improve animal welfare. However, as institutions expand and conduct more research, the total number of animals used can rise even if fewer animals are used per study.   

All organisations listed are signatories to the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK, which commits them to being more open about the use of animals in scientific, medical and veterinary research in the UK. More than 130 organisations have signed the Concordat, including UK universities, medical research charities, research funders, learned societies and commercial research organisations.  

Wendy Jarrett, Chief Executive of Understanding Animal Research, which developed the Concordat on Openness, said: 

“Animal research remains a small but vital part of the quest for new medicines, vaccines and treatments for humans and animals. Alternative methods are increasingly being phased in, but, until we have sufficient reliable alternatives available, it is important that organisations that use animals in research maintain the public’s trust in them. By providing this level of information about the numbers of animals used, and the experience of those animals, as well as details of the medical breakthroughs that derive from this research, these Concordat signatories are helping the public to make up their own minds about how they feel about the use of animals in scientific research in Great Britain.”  

Sarah Hart-Johnson, Director of the Biological Research Facility at the Francis Crick Institute, said: 

“The Crick remains committed to openness in animal research, and these statistics give an insight into our scientific activity each year. Our numbers are consistent with an increase in research into the complex biological systems that lead to debilitating human diseases, such as infections, cancer progression and organ development. All research programmes involving animals begin with the use of non-animal methods, and only when a scientific question cannot be answered by an alternative technology do we use animal models. We uphold the 3Rs principles to replace animal research wherever we can, reduce the number of animals needed for meaningful results and refine experiments to enhance wellbeing." 

James Bussell, Director of Biomedical Services at the University of Oxford, said: 

“Researchers across Oxford University are constantly exploring new technologies that will reduce our dependence on animals for research, but in the meantime, research involving animals continues to play a small but important part in a broad range of biomedical research. 

“We continually strive to maintain the highest possible standards of welfare for those animals that we do use and ensure that all research involving animals is strictly controlled and monitored.” 

Professor Jon Simons, Head of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Cambridge, said: 

"Animal research remains critical for understanding complex biological systems and is an essential step in the development of new medicines, vaccines and treatments for both humans and animals. We are committed to continuing to reduce the number of animals used in biomedical research, and our scientists are actively working on new methods and techniques that will provide robust scientific alternatives.” 

Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement), said: 

"Biomedical research at UCL can change people's lives for the better as we address some of the most pressing problems in global health, and we couldn't do it without animal research that has contributed to groundbreaking advances in treating cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and more. Our scientists use animals in their research only when strictly necessary, while developing innovative new ways to reduce the need for animals in their labs, to minimise harm, and to maximise the potential impact of our research." 

Dr Glenn Wells, Deputy Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council, said: 

“The MRC funds world-leading research to improve human health and develop new treatments.  

“Animal studies have been essential to many breakthroughs, including recent research showing that blocking a protein called IL-11 – which drives inflammation and tissue scarring – could extend healthy lifespan and reduce age-related conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.  

“All MRC-funded research involving animals follows the highest standards of welfare and is guided by the principles of replacing, refining and reducing the use of animals wherever possible. 

“We uphold UK Research and Innovation’s position on the responsible use of animals in research and our policy that improves protections for animals, ensures reproducibility, and supports researchers whose work involves animals.” 

Professor Catherine Martin, Vice-Principal Corporate Services, University of Edinburgh, said: 

“Research involving animals continues to play a small but important role in research at the University of Edinburgh to improve understanding of health and disease in people and animals. The University takes an active role in developing alternative approaches to reduce, refine and replace the use of animals, to optimise the quality of the work we undertake while minimising effects on the animals concerned. The number of animals used in research at Edinburgh has continued on a reducing trajectory, with fewer and less severe procedures carried out in 2024 than in 2023.” 

Dr Julie Keeble, Director of Biological Services, King's College London, said: 

“We continue to support world class research involving animals that prioritises animal welfare. Every experiment is reviewed at multiple levels to ensure that the best outcomes can be achieved for science and welfare. We see excellent research impacts from studies involving animals but continually reinforce and facilitate the replacement, reduction and refinement of the use of animals for scientific purposes.” 

David Duncan, University of Glasgow Chief Operating Officer, said: 

“Research using animals makes an important contribution to the treatment and cure of major human diseases and viruses, including cancers, Alzheimer’s Disease, flu and COVID-19. At the University of Glasgow animals are used in research only where it is essential, and we remain dedicated to the principles of reduction, refinement, and replacement. 

“The University is committed to the development of alternative methods – such as computer modelling, tissue culture, cell and molecular biology, and research with human material – but some work involving animals must continue for further advances in medical sciences to be made. All research undertaken on animals is conducted under strict ethical and welfare guidelines, under licence by the Home Office.” 

Dr. Maria Kamper, Director of the Biological Services Facility at The University of Manchester, said: 

"Scientific research involving animals remains essential in advancing our understanding of health and disease, and is fundamental to developing new medicines and medical technologies. 

"At our institution, we prioritize transparency in animal research alongside a culture of exceptional care among our staff. Our approach is founded on collaboration and superior animal husbandry standards. We are dedicated to cultivating a sustainable environment where animal welfare, staff wellbeing, scientific excellence, and open communication with both stakeholders and the public are our highest priorities. 

"This dedication aligns with the University of Manchester's broader mission to enhance education, knowledge, and wisdom for society's benefit." 

Professor Marina Botto, Director of Bioservices at Imperial College London, said: 

"Animal models remain a vital part of Imperial medical research, helping researchers to uncover groundbreaking insights into dementia, aging, gut health, cancer and sleep. We continue to champion the 3Rs across our community and use alternative models where possible, at every stage of research. Our 3Rs Hub is the hallmark of our commitment and serves as a central resource, offering Imperial staff, students, and external partners easy access to tools and information to support the integration of the 3Rs in their work." 

-Ends- 

 

Notes to Editors

For more information, contact Hannah Hobson on hhobson@uar.org.uk. 

The hashtag for social media is #AnimalStats.  

Understanding Animal Research (UAR) is a not-for-profit organisation that explains how and why animals are used in scientific research in the UK. Our supporters include government agencies, scientific societies, universities, veterinary schools, research funding bodies, commercial organisations and charities. Our supporters both use animals and lead the development of non-animal methods. 

A list of recent animal research case studies from contributing organisations can be found below.   

Further information on the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK can be found here: http://concordatopenness.org.uk  

These figures refer to procedures using animals for medical, veterinary, or scientific research, as licensed by the UK’s Home Office under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The use of animals to test tobacco products was banned in the UK in 1997 and it has been illegal to use animals to test cosmetic products in this country since 1998. A policy ban on household product testing using animals was introduced in 2010. Since 2013, it has been illegal to sell or import cosmetics anywhere in the UK or the EU where the finished product or its ingredients have been tested on animals.  

*The Home Office recorded 2,637,578 completed procedures for Great Britain in 2024, 1,379,399 (52%) of which were carried out at these ten organisations.  

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/scientific-procedures-on-living-animals-great-britain-2024 

Full table of procedures broken down by species from the top ten organisations:  

Organisation	Total Procedures (2024)	Mice	Fish	Rats	Birds	Dogs	Monkeys	Other animals
The Francis Crick Institute	200,055	183,643	15,933					479
University of Oxford	199,730	191,987	6,978	404	75		8	278
University of Cambridge	190,448	146,964	38,288	4,658			34	504
UCL	175,687	105,810	67,910	1,401				566
Medical Research Council	140,602	140,537		37			28
University of Edinburgh	136,862	78,286	43,760	9,598	3,473			1,745
King's College London	106,300	82,142	21,957	2,096				105
University of Glasgow	99,509	91,199	5,992	1,020	831	6		461
University of Manchester	81,252	58,271	19,077	1,863				2,041
Imperial College London	48,954	45,286	785	993	1,042			848
TOTAL	1,379,399	1,124,125	220,680	22,070	5,421	6	70	7,027

All numbers represent completed procedures on animals in 2024. The number of procedures carried out using animals will be slightly higher than the number of animals used, as a small number of animals may be used in more than one procedure. 

Full table of procedures broken down by severity categories from the top ten organisations: 

Organisation	Sub-Threshold	Non-Recovery	Mild	Moderate	Severe	Total Procedures (2024)
The Francis Crick Institute	143,291	653	27,170	27,747	1,194	200,055
University of Oxford	122,037	1,425	47,773	26,760	1,735	199,730
University of Cambridge	64,934	1,064	80,640	40,420	3,390	190,448
UCL	56,905	3,919	80,171	33,923	769	175,687
Medical Research Council	104,065	1,365	24,643	5,860	4,669	140,602
University of Edinburgh	80,754	2,558	36,751	15,283	1,516	136,862
King's College London	47,715	1,497	37,347	18,012	1,729	106,300
University of Glasgow	57,789	421	23,222	17,187	890	99,509
University of Manchester	45,699	630	17,711	14,763	2,448	81,252
Imperial College London	18,084	394	14,907	14,572	997	48,954
TOTAL	741,273 (53.7%)	13,926 (1.0%)	390,335 (28.3%)	214,527 (15.6%)	19,337 (1.4%)	1,379,398

 

Examples of severity

Severity assessments measure the harm experienced by an animal during a procedure. A procedure can be as mild as an injection, or as severe as an organ transplant. Severity assessments reflect the peak severity of the entire procedure and are classified into five different categories:  

Sub-threshold: When a procedure did not cause suffering above the threshold for regulation, i.e. it was less than the level of pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm that is caused by inserting a hypodermic needle according to good veterinary practice. 

Non-recovery: When the entire procedure takes place under general anaesthetic and the animal is humanely killed before waking up. 

Mild: Any pain or suffering experienced was only slight or transitory and minor so that the animal returns to its normal state within a short period of time. For example, the equivalent of an injection or having a blood sample taken. 

Moderate: The procedure caused a significant and easily detectable disturbance to an animal’s normal state, but this was not life threatening. For example, surgery carried out under general anaesthesia followed by painkillers during recovery. 

Severe: The procedure caused a major departure from the animal’s usual state of health and well-being. This would usually include long-term disease processes where assistance with normal activities such as feeding and drinking were required, or where significant deficits in behaviours/activities persist. Animals found dead are commonly classified as severe as pre-mortality suffering often cannot be assessed.  

List of 72 UK organisations that have shared their 2024 animal research statistics: 

Last edited: 23 October 2025 15:42

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