Use of Animals


The NCRC’s policy is to avoid the use of animals wherever possible. We may, however, support research using animals, provided:

  • it is carried out in full compliance with the current EU legislation (Directive 2010/63/EU) for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes as implemented in Ireland by the Health Products Regulatory Authority;
  • it has been approved by the relevant research ethics committee;
  •  it has been fully and independently peer reviewed;
  • the experimental design and its suitability to address the research question has been fully justified;
  • due consideration has been given to the 3Rs – Replacement, Reduction and Refinement;
  • no viable non-animal alternatives exist.

No animals are housed at the NCRC.