The Concordat on Openness is a set of commitments for UK-based life science organisations to enhance their animal research communications. Launched by Understanding Animal Research on 14 May 2014, the Concordat has more than 130 signatories. 

Signatories to the Concordat have agreed to be more open about their use of animals in research and to abide by the following four commitments. 

Commitment 1: We will be clear about when, how and why we use animals in research 

Commitment 2: We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our research using animals 

Commitment 3: We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research using animals 

Commitment 4: We will report on progress annually and share our experiences 
 

Openness abroad

The Concordat on Openness was the world’s first agreement committing signatories to open animal research communications. Since its launch in May 2014, it has inspired the creation of further transparency agreements across the world. 

There are now transparency agreements in Spain, Portugal, Belgium, France, Germany, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Australia. Initiatives are also in development in Italy and the US. 

For more information, please visit our dedicated Concordat on Openness on Animal Research website. 

 

Openness Initiatives in Animal Research

The Annual Concordat Report

Each year, we publish an in-depth report on the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research. The report highlights the ways in which signatories are engaging with their staff and students, the public, and the media, and includes case studies from leading organisations. 

You can view and download the Concordat on Openness Annual Reports here.

 

Leaders in Openness

Launched in 2019, Leaders in Openness status recognises organisations that consistently meet and go beyond the good practice recommendations of the Concordat, providing clear, transparent, and relevant information to people from a range of backgrounds and ethical views. 

You can find our current Leaders in Openness here.  

 

Articles on Openness and Transparency

We regularly publish articles on the UAR website highlighting openness advice, case studies and initiatives from Concordat signatories, that encourage open dialogue around animal research. 
 

You can read more articles on Openness here. 

Research News from Concordat signatories

Keep up to date with new research from UAR Members and Concordat signatories via the Biomedical & Animal Research News digest (BARN). 

Weekly BARN news round ups can be found on the UAR news page.