Report published on animal research at Imperial
An independent committee has recommended "significant" improvements be made to animal research at Imperial College London, following an undercover investigation by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) earlier this year.
The university commissioned an independent investigation after BUAV published allegations and concerns regarding animal welfare, following an undercover infiltration at one of its research facilities earlier this year.
A committee convened by Professor Steve Brown, director of the Medical Research Council's Mammalian Genetics Unit in Harwell, stated there was "considerable room for improvement" in the university's animal research. Numerous recommendations have been made in "The Brown Report", published online yesterday.
Imperial College London says it accepts all of these recommendations and has announced steps to be taken immediately in response.
The investigation, which began in July, focused on ethical review, culture, management and leadership at the university. Committee members interviewed staff, reviewed relevant documentation and visited an animal research facility.
While Imperial College's animal care staff and husbandry were commended, leadership, management, training, operational, and ethical review systems were deemed to be inadequate for setting the highest national and international standards in the 3Rs (replacing, reducing and refining animal research).
The committee made 33 recommendations, including boosting staffing and resources for training and competency assessment. This includes the creation of a new senior director role, with overall responsibility for bioservices.
It was judged a more systematic approach to monitoring animals was needed, as well as improvements to the mechanisms in place for reporting animal welfare concerns.
Following the launch of the investigation, Imperial College says it has enhanced staff training and implemented a quality assurance programme.
In response to the Brown Report, the university has pledged to immediately assemble a group who will develop a plan of action to be actioned by the end of January 2014.
Further, it promises to invest in staffing and leadership as a priority, as well as posting regular updates on its website, and producing an annual report on its animal research.
After BUAV's allegations in April 2013, the Home Office is conducting its own investigation, with a report of its findings expected in early 2014.
Further information
For further information about BUAV's undercover investigation - http://licensedtokill.buav.org/
For more information about Imperial College London's animal research - http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/research/animal-research
To read the Brown Report in full - http://brownreport.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Brown-Report-Final-EMBARGOED-0001GMT-10-12-132.pdf
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
