Categories of research involving animals

The University of Manchester policy on research involving animals sets out four categories of animal research in the UK.

Category A: The use of living vertebrates and cephalopods in scientific procedures within the University and the UK which are regulated by ASPA.

Category B: The use of living vertebrates and cephalopods in scientific procedures that would fall under the definitions of ASPA if conducted in the UK but are being conducted outside the UK.

Category C: The use of tissue in research harvested from living vertebrates and cephalopods killed solely for that purpose regardless of where the animals or tissue were sourced.

Category D: The use of animals in scientific enquiry not regulated under ASPA 1986 because the animals are not vertebrates or cephalopods, or the research does not involve the animal in scientific procedures. For example, the non-invasive use of live animals for public education and conservation purposes and some behavioural and observation work within the University and on educational field courses.

Each category of research requires a different approval process at The University of Manchester.

Find out more about our ethical review process.