Frequently asked questions

Why do you still research using animals?

In a university where biological sciences and medicine have a high profile, such as the University of Exeter, animals are sometimes necessary for research and teaching. Until satisfactory alternatives have been developed, the processes of discovery, enquiry and teaching require approaches that involve animals in order to gain a knowledge and understanding of molecular biology, ecology, behaviour, physiology and pathology, and in order to pass on that knowledge to students.

Scientists at the University of Exeter, in common with many other researchers, are constantly seeking ways to reduce the number of animals needed for research and teaching; refining experimental methods, and replacing animals wherever possible, working to the exacting requirements of the Home Office and funding agencies.

However, ‘alternative’ tests and models have yet to be developed that can properly reproduce the complex biological characteristics of humans and animals, and studies of wild animals in their natural environment will always require the involvement of the animals themselves.

Why aren’t there alternative research methods?

There are very many non-animal research methods, all of which are used at the University of Exeter. These include research using human participants, computer models and simulations, and statistical modelling.

By law, non-animal research methods must be used wherever possible. For many projects, of course, this will mean no animals are needed at all. For others, there will be an element of the research which is essential and for which there is no alternative means of obtaining the relevant information.

Which species of animals are involved in what type of research at the University of Exeter?

We proud to say that we are home to world leading research in ecology, which involves a lot of working in the field with wildlife to support the global conservation efforts. This, alongside work in the aquariums, covers the majority of the research that we do with animals. Examples of the types of research include the impacts of microplastics, pollution and whale/shark migration as well as  understanding the migration of songbirds. Our wildlife work is all for conservation, and usually involves only observation and tracking.

We are fortunate to be working in an environment in the UK that is the most highly regulated in the world where animal research is concerned. This means every animal used will be treated according to the highest welfare standards, and only used where absolutely necessary.

Exeter goes above and beyond the UKs requirement on care and welfare for animals involved in research – in line with our institutional culture and our values of respect and excellence. These values are upheld by all our staff and put into practice by those who care for the animals in the units.

We ensure animals have extra handling and care, we use rat ‘playpens’ to allow animals to interact with each other and the animal care staff. We ensure all animals have access to enrichment in their housing, to allow natural behaviours as much as possible.  We have strictly limited any animal work to research that fulfils the University strategic vision to be fairer, greener, healthier. This includes limiting the number of species we use in medical research to fish and rodents.

Within our animal work we:

  • Commit to improving animal welfare, scientific quality (to ensure all the work we do on animals is effective), care of staff and transparency to stakeholders.
  • Uphold the 3R principles: Reduction: of all animal work and numbers, Replacement: of any animal we can in research, for example Galleria moth larvae.   And Refinement: all our work considers refinement at every level.  This is entrenched in all our work, and we have dedicated meetings and discussions monthly explore these 3Rs, and track gains and next steps consistently. 
  • Commit to upholding the highest possible health status and an outstanding culture of care- we do this well beyond our legal requirement.

 

How many animals do we use?

Please see below the number of animals (by species) used per year in our research and for what purpose as defined by the Home Office. These include:

Basic research includes studies of a fundamental nature, including physiology. Studies that are designed to add knowledge about the normal and abnormal structure, functioning and behaviour of living organisms and the environment. 

Translational/applied research includes discovery toxicology, investigations prior to formal regulatory studies and method development. It includes efficacy testing during the development of new medicinal products. It does not include studies required for regulatory submissions.

Protection of the natural environment in the interests of the health or welfare of human beings or animals. This includes studies aimed at investigating and understanding phenomena such as environmental pollution, loss of biodiversity and epidemiology studies in wild animals. This excludes the regulatory use of animals used for ecotoxicology purposes.

Preservation of species. This includes research where the primary purpose is the preservation of a species e.g., vulnerable, or endangered wild animals.

Breeding / maintenance of colonies of established genetically altered animals, not used in other procedures.

 

In 2023, 25325 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.

ROP 2023

In 2022, 15672 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.

ROP 2022

In 2021, 17338 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.

 

ROP2021‌‌

 

In 2020, 18008 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field

  ROPs 2020

 In 2019, 25696 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.

ROP Summary 2019

 

 

 

In 2018, 32284 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field

 

In 2017, 27237 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.

Species No. of procedures in 2017 No. animals used in 2017
Pheasant 200 200
Northern Gannett 61 61

Corvidae 

356 356
Pied Flycatcher 217 217
Guppy  959 959
Zebra Fish 22144 22144
Three Spined Stickleback 909 909 
Swordtail 9
Fathead Minnow 760 760 
Hump-backed Limia 10 10 
Rainbow Trout 174 174 
Sea Bass 8
Red Tail Splitfin 3
Basking Shark 3 3
Mice 1308 1308
Rat 50 50
Pine Marten 12 12
Bats 54 54
TOTAL 27237 27237

In 2016, 30441 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.

Species No. of procedures in 2016  No. animals used  in 2016
Pheasant 200 200 
Northern Gannett  64 64 
Corvidae 354 306 
Pied Flycatcher 353 353 
Blue Tit 269 269 
Guppy  1118 1118 
Zebra Fish  24813 24813
Stickleback  1967 1967 
Swordtail   45 45 
Humpbacked limia  5
Redtail splitfin  1
Brown Knifefish  6
Rainbow Trout  286 286
Southern Platyfish  74 74
Basking Shark  3
Mouse   608 608 
Hazel Dormouse 32 32
Grey Squirrel 48 48
Pine Marten 21 21
Polecat 6 6
Bats 168 168
Total 30441 30393

In 2015, 11905 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.

Species  No. of procedures in 2015  No. of animals used in 2015 
Pheasant 200 200 
Northern Gannett 60 60 
Corvidae  384 384 
Pied Flycatcher  316 316 
Common Buzzard 45 45
Blue Tit  242 242 
Brent Goose  71 71 
Guppy  786 786 
Zebra Fish  7132 7132 
Stickleback  929 929 
Swordtail  6
Rainbow Trout  168 168 
Brown Trout  209 209 
Roach  371 371 
Mangrove Killifish 30 30 
Southern Platyfish  14 14 
Basking Shark  5
Mouse  821 821 
Hazel Dormouse  21 21 
Grey Squirrel 64 64
Pine Marten 31 31
Total  11905 11905

In 2014, 17823 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.

Species  No. of procedures in 2014 No. of animals used in 2014 
Pheasant 284 284 
Northern Gannett  63 63 
Corvidae  284 284 
Pied Flycatcher  103 103 
Guppy  784 784 
Zebra Fish  13522 13522 
Stickleback  411 411 
Nile Tilapia  10 10 
Flounder  39 39 
Rainbow Trout  76 76 
Sea Bass  369 369 
Turbot  10 10 
Shanny  29 29 
Roach  432 432 
Goldsinny Wrasse  30 30 
Splitfin Goodeid  758 758 
Mouse 540 540 
Basking Shark  10 10 
Bat  69 69
Total 17823 17823