Why animal experimentation?

Veterinary and medical-biological research is carried out at Utrecht University and University Medical Center Utrecht. In addition to experiments involving cell and tissue culture techniques, computer simulations and human volunteers, this also includes animal experiments. Laboratory animals are also used for educational and training purposes.

Laboratory animals used in research

Animal experiments are currently an irreplaceable part of much biological, medical and veterinary research. They help us to further our knowledge of how people and animals function and to find out more about how certain diseases develop and how they can be treated or cured.

Animals used in education and training

Laboratory animals are used on a limited scale for teaching students and for training medical specialists. Alternatives such as computer simulations and imitation animals (for example anatomically correct plastic rats) can be used for part of the teaching; however, for certain aspects of the study programmes, such as practising certain surgical skills, there is no viable alternative yet.