Animal Research
Our work is driven by the goal of creating innovative, affordable solutions for life-threatening diseases like TB, malaria, and emerging viral pathogens, especially in low-resource settings. Our research also tackles Neglected Tropical Diseases that lead to debilitating conditions like disfigurement, including worm infections and snakebite.
In some cases, advancing these life-saving treatments and vaccines requires the use of animals. This is done only when there are no viable alternatives or when regulatory requirements necessitate it before moving to human trials. We are committed to conducting all animal research with the highest ethical standards, ensuring it is both scientifically justified and ethically sound.
Our commitment
We’re dedicated to minimising the use of animals in research, while advancing scientific discovery and medical knowledge to achieve our mission. Each study is carefully designed to use the fewest animals possible, ensuring scientific rigor and regulatory compliance.
We follow the ‘3Rs’ principles set out by the National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs) to guide our approach. With the support of NC3Rs, we are actively working to:
- Replace animal research where alternatives are available
- Reduce the number of animals used by adopting new methods and techniques that align with scientific goals
- Refine our practices to minimize pain, distress, and lasting harm to animals
Our approach ensures that every animal used in research is treated with the highest standards of care, in pursuit of life-saving advancements.
Oversight of animal research
Animal research at LSTM is strictly regulated by UK law, ensuring the highest ethical standards. All research involving animals is overseen by our Animal Welfare and Ethics Review Board, which ensures compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).
Most animal research conducted by LSTM, whether at our facilities or at other UK sites, falls under the ASPA’s regulated procedures. LSTM holds a Home Office Establishment Licence for this work and is subject to regular audits by government-appointed inspectors. Our staff and students are rigorously trained and committed to animal welfare, ensuring compliance with both ASPA and Home Office regulations.
For research outside of ASPA, such as studies governed by the Animals Act or the Wildlife and Countryside Act, we maintain the same high welfare and ethical standards.
When partnering with international organizations, LSTM expects these same high standards, including proper training and alignment with UK regulatory compliance for any animal-based research.
Animal Welfare
At LSTM, the welfare of animals is a top priority. Our staff and students are dedicated to treating all animals involved in research with the utmost respect and care.
We uphold the highest standards of research integrity and ethical conduct in our animal research. Any concerns about failures to meet ethically approved welfare standards, from LSTM staff or partnering organisations receiving LSTM funding, are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
Openness in animal research
LSTM is a signatory to the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK, developed by Understanding Animal Research in collaboration with leading research institutes. This initiative promotes transparency and public understanding of the humane use of animals in biomedical research.
As part of our commitment, we disclose the numbers and types of animals used in our research. LSTM currently holds three project licences focused on disease mechanisms and the preclinical development of new diagnostics and therapeutics for diseases of poverty.
We report all animal use to the Home Office. For the period from January 2024 to December 2024, we used the following species and numbers in our research:
| Species | Number |
| Gerbil | 20 |
| Mouse | 495 |
| Total | 515 |