In a report by UAR (Understanding Animal Research), University of Edinburgh was ranked fifth amongst UK organisations for the most animal testing procedures carried out in 2023.
Ranked first was the University of Cambridge, conducting 223,787 animal tests. Second was the University of Oxford, with 194,913 animal tests. The Francis Crick Institute came third, with 192,920 tests. Fourth was the University College of London (UCL) is reported to have conducted 176,019 animal tests.
The University of Edinburgh reportedly carried out 139,881 animal tests.
According to the UAR report, 99% of all animal tests were conducted on mice, fish, and rats for the purposes of medical, veterinary, and scientific research.
82% of procedures were classified as causing pain equivalent to, or less than, an injection.
Some students expressed disappointment at the level of animal testing conducted at Edinburgh University.
One student told The Student, “It’s unnecessary really. At least at an undergraduate level. Everything we are learning has already been tested. It feels like we are just doing the experiments for the sake of it.”
The University of Edinburgh has said in a press release that testing is important for helping develop new treatments and techniques:
“Animals are needed in research because of the complexity of how the body works.”
They added, “Animal research conducted at the University of Edinburgh has progressed the understanding and treatment of disorders such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and cancer.”
Edinburgh representatives also stressed that all testing followed UK laws, under “strict” regulations issued by the Home Office.
In a press release, Dr Catherine Martin, Vice-Principal for Corporate Services at the University of Edinburgh, said: “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.
Martin added: “as an institution, we are deeply committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, and to putting into practice the principles of replacing, refining and reducing the use of animals in our research.”
“Edinburgh Medical School building, Teviot Place” by Kim Traynor is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.