UCL signs declaration of openness on animal research

UCL has made a commitment to work together with 40 other organisations to establish a Concordat and develop principles of openness and measurable objectives underpinning a more transparent approach to animal research. Partners in the initiative include Cancer Research UK, The Wellcome Trust, The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry and a number of research intensive universities. The announcement was made at a joint press conference to discuss the latest Ipsos MORI data on the public attitude to animal research. The latest figures reveal a 10 per cent drop in the levels of public acceptance of animal research, with around two thirds of participants saying they are willing to accept the use of animals for medical research purposes. Speaking at the press conference, the Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science, said: "The life sciences sector is very important for Britain. It's very important above all for the health benefits it brings British people, and indeed to the wider world. It also of course has great economic importance.