University of Glasgow among UK’s top animal testing institutions

More than 100,000 procedures on animals took place in 2023 alone

3 hours ago

According to newly released data by Understanding Animal Research (UAR), the University of Glasgow ranked among the top UK institutions conducting animal tests in 2023.

The University Glasgow carried out 102,089 procedures, placing it ninth on UAR’s list, which identifies the top ten institutions in the UK conducting animal testing. In comparison, the University of Edinburgh conducted 139,881 procedures, landing fifth on the list.

According to UAR’s report, these top ten institutions collectively account for 54 percent of all animal testing in the UK for scientific purposes. Cambridge topped the list with 223,787 procedures, followed by Oxford, the Francis Crick Institute, and University College London.

Most of the tests across these institutions were performed on mice, fish, and rats, with these three species comprising over 99 per cent of animal use. Testing procedures vary in pain severity; however, 55.34 per cent of tests conducted at the University of Glasgow were classified under sub-threshold pain levels—indicating no more discomfort than a typical injection. Comparatively, 57.4 per cent of Edinburgh’s tests fell under this category.

While Edinburgh has defended its practices, citing the importance of animal testing for breakthroughs in human and animal health, the University of Glasgow has yet to issue a statement on its stance and practices.

Dr. Catherine Martin, Vice-Principal for Corporate Services at Edinburgh, stated: “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.

Dr. Martin further emphasised Edinburgh’s commitment to ethical standards, ensuring that their research adheres to the principles of replacing, refining, and reducing animal use: “We use alternatives wherever possible, but some questions can only be answered by using animals as part of our research.”