Library of guidance and policy documents for MRC researchers
The MRC has issued various sets of guidance concerning the use of animals in research:
Responsibility in the use of animals in bioscience research: General guidance for researchers using animals or animal research products in research and to those assessing applications for research funding.
Animal research: reporting of in vivo experiments: The ‘Responsibility in the use of animals in bioscience research’ document also encourages researchers to report animal-based studies in accordance with the ARRIVE guidelines. These guidelines are intended to improve standards of reporting and ensure that the data from animal experiments can be fully evaluated and utilised. The guidelines have been published in the journal PLoS Biology and eleven other journals. The ARRIVE guidelines have been developed by the NC3Rs to improve standards of reporting and ensure that the data from animal experiments can be fully evaluated and utilised. The guidelines are primarily aimed at scientists writing up their research for publication or involved in peer review. Developed in consultation with the scientific community, including researchers, statisticians, journal editors, and funders, the guidelines consist of a 20-point checklist of the essential information that should be included in publications reporting animal research.
Open letter |
In May 2012 the Medical Research Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Wellcome Trust, the three main funding bodies for bioscience research in the UK, wrote an open letter to the vice-chancellors and principals of universities and heads of research institutes, urging them to ensure that their scientists observe the ARRIVE guidelines. Previous studies, by the NC3Rs and others, have highlighted significant flaws in the design, analysis and reporting of animal experiments, which undermine the reliability and utility of the research conducted. The guidelines are intended to help address this. |
Code of practice for the supply of rodents in research: A document directed at the MRC’s own staff, but also relevant to those working in universities, which aims to minimise the avoidable production of surplus rodents.
Code of practice for the supply of aquatics in research: A document directed at the MRC’s own staff, but also relevant to those working in universities, which aims to minimise the avoidable production of surplus fish and amphibians.
Sharing and archiving of genetically altered mice: Opportunities for reduction and refinement: A report from an RSPCA/MRC/BBSRC/NC3Rs working group on how archiving and sharing of genetically-altered mouse lines can provide the opportunity for reduction and refinement.
In relation to the use of non-human primates, the MRC has adopted the following NC3Rs policy and guidance for research establishments:
NC3Rs guidelines on primate accommodation, care and use: Guidelines on the accommodation, care and use of non-human primates, produced by the NC3Rs and adopted by the MRC. Researchers (staff and grant holders) and their host establishments are responsible for applying the guidelines.
Key considerations in the breeding of macaques and marmosets for scientific purposes (MRC/LASA statement, May 2004): A LASA/MRC document aimed at researchers and associated care staff which sets out general principles for good practice in the breeding of macaques and marmosets for scientific purposes.
Mice and Medicine: An MRC publication aimed at general audiences explaining why and how research involving animals continues to contribute to medical progress.
Primates in Medical Research: An MRC/Wellcome Trust publication aimed at general audiences explaining when and how non-human primates are used in medical research, why it is necessary and the benefits for human health.