How animal research is reviewed at The Open University

All Open University (OU) research involving animals is reviewed by the OU Animal Welfare Ethical Review Body (AWERB), which advises, and reports to, the OU Establishment Licence Holder. The AWERB is responsible for reviewing all research proposals involving ‘Protected animals’ as defined under Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). This includes research that requires a Home Office licence and non-regulated research, such as research on animals’ interaction with their environments and on the use of technology to improve the lives of animals and humans. The OU AWERB, originally the Animal Ethics Advisory Group (AEAG), was one of the first such committees established in the UK. The purpose of the OU’s AWERB is to ensure that:

• All use of animals in research at the OU is carefully considered and justified
• The principles of the 3Rs ‘reduction, replacement and refinement’ are implemented whenever possible
• High standards of animal welfare are achieved

The AWERB has a broad membership and includes the Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO); the Named Information Officer (NIO); the Named Training and Competency Officer (NTCO); and the Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS); animal technicians; scientists; and academics with expertise in ethics and statistics. In accordance with the Laboratory Animal Science Association/RSPCA Guiding Principles on good practice for Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Bodies, the AWERB membership comprises members “who do not have responsibilities under ASPA, as well as one or more persons who are independent of the establishment”.