Facilities for animal research

Explore the facilities used for animal research at the University

The University of Plymouth has invested in cutting-edge animal facilities including small animal and aquaria. These facilities support our commitment to research excellence.

Animal research facilities
Aquaria
Animal research facilities
Aquaria

We use the highest standard of housing and husbandry.

The animal facilities operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We have a team of well trained and qualified animal welfare specialists who work closely with our researchers and who provide animal welfare and care training. They, in turn, have 24/7 veterinary support.

Use of animals in research
Biological Services Unit
use of animals in research
Aquaria - tropical room

The University of Plymouth pays close attention to animal welfare and we are promoting a culture of care by implementing the following:

  • handling tunnel
  • single needle policy
Research has shown that picking up mice by the tail induces aversion and high anxiety levels, that why we have introduced a policy where each animal cage must contain a handling tunnel. The policy has been implemented by the Animal Welfare Ethical Review Body (AWERB).

We are improving and refining the animal’s welfare standards. When animal mobility is reduced, we are providing them with a gel/soft chow diet. We are using Nombrero to prevent wet food coming into contact with the cage base or bedding so the food can stay clean and easy accessible for the animals.

We have introduced a 'single needle policy' and the re-usage of needles has been prohibited.

use of animals in research
Use of animals in research