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Research and Business Engagement

Policy and ethical review procedures

Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to provide a clear statement about the University’s position in relation to the use of animals in research and teaching activities and clarify the responsibilities of those who involve animals in University activities and the key University roles in overseeing these activities.  The policy applies to all staff, students and person undertaking research and teaching activities that involves animals. The policy divides the use of animals in research and teaching activities into 4 categories (A,B,C and D) and defines the ethical review requirements for each. 

Ethical Review Requirements

The Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) is the local framework acting to ensure that use of animals in the establishment is carefully considered and justified; that proper account is taken of all possibilities for reduction, refinement and replacement (the 3Rs); and that high standards of accommodation and care are achieved.

The Terms of Reference outline how the University of Manchester meet the requirements of an AWERB.

The operational processes that AWERB follow support the Terms of Reference.

Additional Terms of Reference are in place for the Category D sub-committee and the 3Rs subgroup.

Categories of research and/or teaching involving animals covered by the policy and the related ethical review requirements

As outlined in the policy, work with animals is divided into four categories: 

A. The use of living vertebrates and cephalopods in scientific procedures within the University and the UK which are regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).

Research that falls into Category A requires full ethical approval by the University's Animal Welfare Ethical Review Body (AWERB). To apply, contact bsf.enquiries@manchester.ac.uk for further information and application form.

B. The use of living vertebrates and cephalopods in scientific procedures that would fall under the definitions of ASPA if conducted in the UK but are being conducted outside the UK.

Research that falls into Category B (collaboration with other laboratories outside of the UK or where animal facilities are being provided by third parties outside of the UK) requires ethical approval by the AWERB. The ethics committee will need to be satisfied that the welfare standards are consistent with UK and local legislation and that the principles set out in this policy are applied and maintained: application form can be found here or obtained from the AWERB Secretary (AWERB.Secretary@manchester.ac.uk) or BSF (bsf.enquiries@manchester.ac.uk).

C. The use of tissue harvested from living vertebrates and cephalopods killed solely for research or teaching regardless of where the animals or tissue were sourced.

Research that falls into Category C requires appropriate and proportionate ethical review by the University: application form can be found here or obtained from the AWERB Secretary (AWERB.Secretary@manchester.ac.uk) or BSF (bsf.enquiries@manchester.ac.uk).

D. The use of animals in scientific enquiry not regulated under ASPA 1986 because the animals are not vertebrates or cephalopods, or the research and/or teaching activity does not involve the animal in scientific procedures. (For example, the non-invasive use of live animals in the Manchester Museum for public education and conservation purposes and some behavioural and observation work within the University and on educational field courses). 

Research that falls into Category D may require appropriate and proportionate ethical review: application form can be found here. or obtained from the AWERB Secretary (AWERB.Secretary@manchester.ac.uk) or BSF (bsf.enquiries@manchester.ac.uk).

Committee for the Ethical Review of Category D Research

This committee is a sub-committee of the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body, and will consider applications sent by Email, on a virtual basis. The link to the application form is available here.   

If your work will be carried out at another organisation please have Host Cat D form completed by a representative of the host organisation and submit it with your main application form.

The committee will consider applications that include: 
Category D research studies (as defined in the University of Manchester’s ‘Policy on the use of Animals in Research’), incorporating; 

  • Final year projects
  • Placement year studies
  • Undergraduate research projects
  • Animal field research and 
  • Non-ASPA laboratory research
  • Endangered species
  • Requirements for Defra Licence – controlled species
  • Invasive species
  • Where the researcher interacts with the animal in the environment and either removes the animal or makes changes to the animal’s environment

Definition of Category D work
“The use of animals in scientific enquiry not regulated under ASPA 1986 because the animals are not vertebrates or cephalopods, or the research does not involve the animal in scientific procedures.  (For example, the non-invasive use of live animals in the Manchester Museum for public education and conservation purposes and some behavioural and observation work within the University and on educational field courses).”