Animal research procedures - 2020 statistics at University of Reading released

The number of animal research procedures carried out by the University of Reading in 2020 was the lowest on record, latest statistics show.

With the global pandemic caused by Covid-19 halting many research projects, the University of Reading has seen a reduction of research procedures to 1,119 (down from 1,870 in 2019). The numbers of procedures fell among small animals, such as mice, although the University’s work on Covid-19 meant that the number of procedures involving llamas rose from four procedures in 2019 to 22 last year.

The work with llamas, including Fifi and Arla, is done in partnership with other research institutes around the UK and has led to the demonstration of engineered antibodies that can neutralise Covid-19.

The reduction in numbers of procedures is partly due to the planned move of the University’s main animal laboratories to new, purpose-built facilities.  Scientists also continue to find new ways to replace animal research with other methods, reduce the numbers of procedures needed to the minimum required for accurate science, and refine types of procedures to improve the welfare of the animals.

While absolute numbers of procedures have declined, the University has continued its world-class research, including studies to further our understanding of heart disease, to learn about neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and to reduce the environmental impacts of farming.

Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said:

“This past year has shown us how important scientific research is for our health and wellbeing. We are proud that the University of Reading is playing a role in better understanding Covid-19 and in developing new potential treatments, particularly through the work that colleagues are doing to care for our llama herd.

This past year has shown us how important scientific research is for our health and wellbeing. 

Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Deputy Vice-Chancellor

“We are continuing to work hard to improve animal welfare, and have invested £60 million for a new Health and Life Sciences building. The new facilities will provide the best possible environment for the study of biological sciences, including animal research, so that the quality of research and animal welfare are maintained to the highest standards.”

Licenced procedures

The University latest statistics on animal research have been published ahead of the release of national Home Office figures showing how many licensed research procedures were carried out on animals in the UK in 2020. Strict UK legislation means that any research using animals that could cause suffering must be regulated and subject to inspection.

As well as details of all its current government-licensed animal research projects, the University has released comprehensive data on numbers and types of procedures it carries out on animals. It is also explaining how these experiments support important scientific research.

The University is a signatory to a UK concordat on openness on animal research and is committed to the principles of working to replace, reduce and refine procedures on animals. In 2021, the University was named as a Leader in Openness by Understanding Animal Research for its ongoing commitment to share and discuss how and why animals are used in research.

Find out more about animal research at the University of Reading