Useful links for more information on the use of animals in research

• Understanding Animal Research

  
  www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk
  
  The RDS (Research Defence Society) collaborated with its sister organisation Coalition for Medical Progress on 1st January 2009 and have established ‘Understanding Animal Research’ which is an organization that provides plenty of information which keeps people up to date with news and developments in the field of animal research including media stories, advances in research, health and medicine, politics and campaigns and protests.
  For more information on animal research please visit:
  www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/about_research
  This website answers questions such as the number of animals used in research in comparison with other uses of animals in society, an overview of the research process, areas of research where animals are used and the regulation regarding animal welfare and the industry’s commitment to the 3Rs : refinement, reduction and replacement.


• Medical Mouse

  
  www.medicalmouse.org.uk
  
  The ‘medicalmouse’ website provides children, teachers and parents with an overview of how laboratory animals are cared for by animal technologists and why animals need to be used to find new medicines for people and animals.


• 3Rs – Reduction, Refinement and Replacement

  
  www.nc3rs.org.uk
  
  Agenda Group support the NC3RS which is the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research which provides a UK focus for the promotion, development and implementation of the 3Rs in the animal research and testing process. This association brings together the key stakeholders in the 3Rs from academia, industry, government and animal welfare organisation to facilitate exchange of information and ideas.
  This website can answer the following questions; What are the 3RS? Does the NC3rS support and accept the use of animals in research? Who does the NC3RS work with? Who do they report to? Why is the number of animals used in scientific procedures increasing? For more information please visit www.nc3rs.org.uk/page.asp?id=112


• Biosciences Federation

  
  http://www.bsf.ac.uk
  
  The Biosciences Federation is a single authority representing the UK’s biological expertise, providing independent opinion to inform public policy and promoting the advancement of the biosciences. The Federation is actively working to influence policy and strategy in biology-based research including funding initiatives with other disciplines such as schools and university education. The Federation is concerned about the translation of research into benefits for society and the impact of legislation and regulations on the ability of those working in teaching and research to deliver effectively. For more information please visit www.bsf.ac.uk


• Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)

  
  www.abpi.org.uk
  
  Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) is the trade association for more than 70 companies in the UK producing prescription medicines. Its member companies research, develop, manufacture and supply more than 80 per cent of the medicines prescribed through the National Health Service (NHS). The ABPI also represents companies engaged in the research and or development of medicines for human use. In addition, its general affiliate membership is for all other ogranisations with an interest in the pharmaceutical industry. For more information please visit www.abpi.org.uk


• Institute of Animal Technology

  
  www.iat.org.uk
  
  The Institute of Animal Technology was founded in 1949 and is the foremost professional body in the field. Its main purpose is to advance knowledge and promote excellence in the care and welfare of animals in science and to enhance the standards and status of those professionally engaged in the care, welfare and use of animals in research and science. The activities of the IAT continue to support its members in advancing and promoting excellence in technology and in laboratory animal care and welfare. For more information please visit www.iat.org.uk


• Laboratory Animal Science Association (LASA)

  
  www.lasa.co.uk
  
  Laboratory Animal Science Association (LASA) was developed to advance scientific understanding and knowledge or the use, care and welfare of laboratory animals and promote refinement, reduction and replacement. For more information please visit www.lasa.co.uk