Policies for everyone

policy on animal experiments (pdf)

Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht are committed to high-quality education and research that contributes to the health and wellbeing of humans and animals. To realise our mission and vision, we actively invest in the development and application of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) and animal-free innovations. Initiatives such as the 3Rs Centre Utrecht, TPI Utrecht and U-AIM support researchers and lecturers in developing, applying and sharing new knowledge and methods. In addition, we encourage lifelong learning, Open Science, and collaboration with researchers and organisations, both within and outside our institutions.

Where we use laboratory animals in our research because this is currently the best scientific choice, we do so carefully, transparently and with respect for the intrinsic value of the animal. The Animal Welfare Body (IvD) provides support and advice in this regard, monitors the quality of animal experiments and animal welfare, and promotes a Culture of Care. Within this culture, researchers, animal carers, biotechnicians, vets, the IvD and management jointly take responsibility for animal welfare, scientific quality and professional conduct. Openness, trust, safety and continuous improvement form the basis of this.

We expect everyone involved in animal testing or with laboratory animals to make an active contribution to this shared responsibility. This means that you:

• only carry out work for which you are authorised and competent, or work under the required supervision;
• comply with legislation, regulations and internal procedures;
• actively apply the 3R principles and remain constantly alert to opportunities for alternatives to animal testing;
• contribute to the quality, reproducibility and transparency of research;
• maintain your knowledge and skills through training and knowledge-sharing;
• be open about dilemmas, incidents and opportunities for improvement, and hold colleagues to account whilst supporting them in acting professionally.

Together, we embody a Culture of Care in which animal welfare, scientific quality and integrity are not merely legal obligations, but a shared responsibility and an integral part of our daily work.

The document Tasks and responsibilities in the laboratory animal chain (pdf) describes who is part of the laboratory animal chain and what tasks and responsibilities they have.

The Quality improvement policy (pdf) describes the processes and procedures used by the IvD Utrecht, together with the animal facilities and all parties involved in the animal testing chain, to advise on and supervise the housing and care of laboratory animals and the design, implementation and evaluation of animal testing.

Lifelong Learning policy (pdf)
Guide to implementing ‘Lifelong Learning’ (pdf)

This document sets out the ‘Lifelong Learning’ (LLL) policy for everyone working with animals in education and research at Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht. Under the Animal Experiments Act, only individuals who are knowledgeable and competent in animal experimentation, or those still in training but under direct supervision, may be involved in such experiments.

The aim of this policy is to ensure that staff continue to develop their knowledge and skills. Knowledge and competence (skills) must be continuously maintained and assessed. The quality of competence assessments is ensured through the appointment of supervisors and assessors by the AWB.

Knowledgeability means having the appropriate theoretical knowledge and keeping it up to date, for example through training on animal welfare and the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).

This knowledge development is monitored:

• Staff must demonstrate every three years that they have learnt sufficiently.
• Knowledgeability is a prerequisite for involvement in animal experiments.

Competence means being able to perform specific procedures correctly, such as administering injections, as well as monitoring the animals’ welfare. 

• Competence is developed through training and supervision.
• You may only perform those procedures if you are undergoing training for them or have been assessed as competent.
• You will only learn procedures that are necessary for your role or type of training.
• Competence is trained by a supervisor and assessed by an assessor.
• Regular (re)assessment of procedures is mandatory after two years and within five years.

How knowledgeability and competence are maintained and demonstrated in practice is set out in the implementation guide accompanying the LLL policy. Everything is recorded by the individual concerned in a portfolio and periodically checked by an LLL coordinator and the AWB.

Through this policy, we safeguard our animals’ right to be handled only by knowledgeable and competent individuals.