Resources for Ethical Review

Ethical review is a process that allows for ongoing critical evaluation of the ethical, scientific and welfare issues is essential in any system that regulates the use of animals in research and testing. In the United Kingdom under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 this is conducted at establishments by the  Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Board (AWERB).  All establishments using, breeding or supplying animals for scientific procedures must have an institutional Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB).  

How is this conducted at the University of Edinburgh?

Within the University of Edinburgh ethical review is conducted by the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Board (AWERB). This committee meets monthly to consider and advise the establishment licence holder on whether to support project proposals (project licence applications) involving the use of animals in research. The AWERB also has a number of other functions including the  retrospective assessment of relevant projects carried out at the establishment,  to promote awareness of animal welfare and the 3Rs, to support named persons and other staff dealing with animals on animal welfare and training and to help to promote a ‘culture of care’ within the establishment and, as appropriate, in the wider community. 

Useful resources for Ethical review

A number of useful resources are available to AWERB members and the wider scientific community to assist with ethical review including those from the RSPCA and the NC3Rs.

• Guiding principles on good practice for Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Bodies - RSPCA/LASA (2015) (PDF 1.76MB)
• A resource book for lay members of ethical review and similar bodies worldwide - third edition (2015) (PDF 6,742KB)
• The AWERB as "forum for discussion"
• Implementing the 3Rs
• Harm Benefit Analysis
• AWERB functions and Tasks