Animal experiments at Stockholm University

At Stockholm University, research and education is carried out within a number of thematic fields. Some research seeks to understand the mechanisms behind, and find cures for, diseases such as diabetes, cancer and infectious diseases. Other research is conducted in order to increase the knowledge of the interdependency between animals and their environment. This research also aims at improving the measurements to counter various environmental problems, such as overfishing, pollutants and climate change. The University also carries out research on animal behaviour in order to increase our general knowledge on behavoiur which, in the long run, can lead to an improved quality of life and the survival of species of both wild and domesticated animals. 

Most of the biologically oriented research at Stockholm University is carried out without the use of animals and when possible, the research questions are always investigated in animal-free systems. However, an intact organism is sometimes needed in order to find answers to the scientific question, such as when behaviour is to be studied, or when it is necessary to fully understand how diseases and environmental changes affect the entire organism.

Stockholm University has a Laboratory animal organization working actively for the wellbeing of the animals. This organization is made up of the License holder, the Licence holder office, the Animal welfare body and the directors of respective activities. They all work in accordance with the stipulations of the relevant legislation.

Legal requirements for carrying out animal experiments

The use of animal experiments in Sweden is regulated in the Animal Protection Act, the Animal Protection Ordinance and in the Regulations on Animal Welfare. The EU Directive (EU/2010/63) contains further guidelines. All use of experimental animals at Stockholm University must be carried out in accordance with these rules.

In Sweden, animals can only be used when no alternative methods are available. All animal experiments must also be approved by an ethical committee before the experiments can be performed. The ethical committee is made up of a Court of Appeal judge, representatives of researchers as well as laymen. It is their task to weigh the effect on the animals against the benefit of the research project. The ethics application is drawn up by the principal investigator in consultation with the named animal care and welfare officer, the veterinary and staff taking care of the animals. Studies of wild animals are also in most cases classified as animal experiments according to the Animal Protection Act.  On the other hand, invertebrates (except cephalopods) are not counted as experimental animals according to the law, whether they are studied in the laboratory or in the wild. At Stockholm University, such research is carried out on species like butterflies (Rhopalocera) and fruit flies. 

All research on animals at Stockholm University must follow the 3R principle (Reduce, Refine, Replace). This means that Stockholm University shall:

  • Use as few animals as possible to answer the scientific question (Reduce),
  • Continuously improve the conditions and wellbeing of the animals and design the experiments to make them as low-impact as possible (Refine),
  • Replace animal experiments with animal-free methods where this is possible in order to answer the scientific question (Replace).

Training

All personnel working with experimental animals and carrying out animal experiments shall by law have received training in laboratory animal science. The training includes relevant legislation, ethics, animal husbandry as well as practical and theoretical knowledge about the species which is being studied. Researchers linked with Stockholm University must also follow existing internal guidelines and decisions made by the Licence holder. Additional training shall be conducted continuously for both personnel in charge of the animals and other personnel working with animals.

Contact

If you have questions concerning animal experiments at Stockholm University, please contact; tillstandshavarkansliet.mbw@su.se