An Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) is a caring committee found in all UK research institutions. AWERB's job is to make sure that animals involved in scientific research are treated kindly and respectfully, aiming to minimise any harm or distress they might experience.
An Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) is a caring committee found in all UK research institutions. AWERB’s job is to make sure that animals involved in scientific research are treated kindly and respectfully, aiming to minimise any harm or distress they might experience.
Review Research Proposals
AWERB look at research proposals and perform a harm/benefit analysis. This means they weigh up the potential benefits of the research (like medical advancements) against the potential harm to the animals (like pain or distress). The research can only go ahead if the benefits outweigh the harms.
Assess Animal Welfare
They review how the animals will be housed, fed, and cared for, to ensure the animals experience as little pain and stress as possible. This includes ensuring that the number of animals used is minimised and that the least invasive methods are employed.
Monitor Ongoing Research
Once the research is approved and begins, AWERB monitors it to make sure everything is done according to plan and that animals are being treated well. AWERB offers guidance to researchers on best practices for animal care and use, helping them refine their methods to be more humane.
Promote Alternatives
They encourage the use of alternatives to animal testing whenever possible, such as computer models or cell cultures. In the UK, no animal can be used for research if a Non-Animal Alternative is an option. Licence applicants must prove that this the case to be granted ethical approval from the AWERB.
Ensure Compliance:
All research conducted in the UK must follow the following national laws and ethical guidelines:
ASRU (Animals in Science Regulation Unit)
This is a part of the UK government that oversees the use of animals in research. ASRU ensures that the rules and regulations are followed.
ASPA (Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986)
This is the UK law that regulates the use of animals in scientific research. AWERB makes sure that all research complies with ASPA, which sets out the legal requirements for the care and use of animals in research.