THE UNIVERSITY of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow carried some of the highest number of animal tests last year, according to figures from Understanding Animal Research (UAR)
.UAR published a list of the ten UK organisations that carried out the highest number of animal procedures in 2023
The figures show that the University of Edinburgh carried out the fifth highest number of animal tests at 139,881. The University of Glasgow ranks ninth at 102,089 tests.
Topping the list is the University of Cambridge at 223,787. The top ten organisations listed represent 54% of all animal testing for scientific research conducted in the UK.
The top ten animal-testing organisations are:
- University of Cambridge - 223,787
- University of Oxford - 194,913
- The Francis Crick Institute - 192,920
- UCL - 176,019
- University of Edinburgh - 139,881
- Medical Research Council - 124,156
- University of Manchester - 110,885
- King's College London - 109,779
- University of Glasgow - 102,089
- Imperial College London - 60,580
The figures reflect animals used in medical, veterinary, and scientific research. More than 99% were carried out on mice, fish and rats and 82% were classified as causing pain equivalent to, or less than, an injection.
Both universities document the perceived pain severity levels of procedures ranging from subthreshold, where the animals do not suffer, to severe and non-recovery.
Edinburgh’s research for 2023 was 57.4% subthreshold while Glasgow’s comes in at 55.34%.
Dr Catherine Martin, Vice-Principal for Corporate Services at the University of Edinburgh, said: “Research involving animals plays an important role in helping world-leading researchers at the University of Edinburgh to address some of the most difficult problems in human and animal health.
"We use alternatives wherever it is possible, but some important questions can still only be answered by using animals as part of our research.
"As an institution, we are deeply committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, and to putting into practice the principles of replacing, refining and reducing the use of animals in our research.”
The University of Glasgow has been approached for comment.
