Our position on animals in research
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Eczema UK is committed to funding high-quality research that improves our understanding of eczema and has the potential to improve the lives of people affected by the condition. Some medical research may involve the use of animals. We recognise that this is an important and sensitive issue and believe that research involving animals must be scientifically justified, appropriately regulated and undertaken to high ethical and welfare standards.
Our commitment
Eczema UK endorses the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) position statement supporting the use of animals in research.
We support the principle that animals should only be used in research where there is no suitable alternative and where their use is necessary to advance understanding of health and disease.
We are committed to the principles of the 3Rs - Replacement, Reduction and Refinement - and consider these principles when assessing research involving animals.
The 3Rs - Replacement, Reduction and Refinement
The 3Rs provide a framework for responsible research involving animals.
Replacement means using methods that avoid or replace the use of animals wherever possible.
Reduction means using the minimum number of animals necessary to achieve scientifically robust results.
Refinement means improving research methods, procedures and animal care to minimise pain, suffering or distress and improve animal welfare.
We expect researchers seeking Eczema UK funding to consider all three principles when proposing research involving animals.
How we assess research involving animals
Where an application for Eczema UK funding involves animals, applicants are required to explain how they have addressed Replacement, Reduction and Refinement in the design of their research.
As part of our expert review process, reviewers consider whether:
suitable alternatives to the use of animals have been considered;
the proposed use of animals is scientifically justified;
the study has been designed to use an appropriate number of animals;
methods have been refined to minimise pain, suffering and distress; and
appropriate standards of animal care, housing and handling have been considered.
Consideration of the 3Rs forms part of the overall assessment of the scientific quality and responsible conduct of proposed research.
Our expectations of funded researchers
Research funded by Eczema UK must comply with all relevant legal, regulatory and institutional requirements governing research involving animals.
Our grant funding requirements reinforce our commitment to the 3Rs, and researchers and their host institutions are responsible for ensuring that appropriate approvals are in place before research involving animals begins.
We expect researchers to continue considering opportunities to replace, reduce and refine animal use throughout the lifetime of an Eczema UK-funded project.
Transparency
We believe in being open about the research we fund, including research involving animals.
We publish information about the research supported by Eczema UK and are committed to being transparent about how and why animals are used where this forms part of the research we fund.
As part of our commitment to the standards of the Association of Medical Research Charities, we provide information about the use of animals in Eczema UK-funded research through AMRC's research data collection requirements.