Biological Services Facility achieves prestigious AAALAC accreditation
19 Mar 2024
The accreditation is testament to the University’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare and quality in research.
The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health is celebrating a significant milestone in the pursuit of excellence in laboratory animal science: the full accreditation of our Biological Services Facility (BSF) by AAALAC International, the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care.
A prestigious global benchmark, AAALAC accreditation signifies an institution’s dedication to achieving and maintaining superior animal care and use standards. It represents a continuous commitment to excellence, ethical conduct, and improvement.
The whole BSF team contributed to the application process that involved drafting of a comprehensive description of our animal care and use programme, outlining our practices, protocols, and commitment to animal welfare. In a subsequent on-site evaluation visit, a member of the AAALAC Council and and ad hoc specialist conducted an in-depth review of the facilities and operations, assessing adherence to AAALAC’s high standards.
The AAALAC Council announced the official outcome of the application on 10 March 2024.
BSF Director, Maria Kamper said: "This momentous achievement reflects our collective dedication to excellence in animal care and the quality of our research endeavours."
The impact of accreditation
The benefits of AAALAC accreditation extend far beyond a mere certification. For the Biological Services Facility and The University of Manchester, this recognition:
- Enhances our reputation among peers, funding bodies, and industry partners, showcasing our commitment to ethical and high-quality research.
- Attracts more funding opportunities, as research funders and collaborators prioritize institutions that demonstrate excellence in animal welfare and scientific practices.
- Increases credibility and reduces risk, ensuring stakeholders of our dedication to responsible research and animal care.
- Serves as a quality stamp, affirming that the University of Manchester meets the most stringent international standards in laboratory animal science.
Maria added: "As we celebrate this achievement, we also recommit ourselves to the journey of ongoing improvement, ensuring that our practices reflect the latest in animal welfare and research integrity. This accreditation is a step forward in our mission to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community and society at large, demonstrating that The University of Manchester remains at the forefront of responsible and cutting-edge research. It underscores our responsibility towards advancing science responsibly and humanely, and it serves as a beacon for attracting the brightest minds who share our dedication to these principles.
"We extend our heartfelt thanks to every member of the BSF team and the wider University community for their contribution to achieving this milestone. Together, we look forward to building on this success, fostering an environment where excellence in science goes hand in hand with the highest standards of care and ethics."