Use of animals in research

The Lleida Biomedical Research Institute's Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida) has joined the Agreement on Openness on Animal Research, promoted by the Federation of Scientific Societies in Spain (COSCE) with the collaboration of the European Association of Research Animals (EARA), and launched on November 26^th, 2016.

Scientists at the IRBLleida study fundamental biological processes in our genes, cells, tissues and organs. The use of animal models in our research is essential to advance the knowledge about mechanisms of health and disease. This knowledge will lead to treatments and cures otherwise not possible.

IRBLleida scientists study complex and highly prevalent diseases such as cancer, neurological and neuromuscular disorders, respiratory and renal diseases among many others. They only use animals when necessary for developing their research projects, and always consider alternatives to animal research, such as cell culture, simple organisms, computer modelling or human samples.

The highest standards in animal welfare are of paramount relevance for the IRBLleida scientists since it is necessary for research excellence, as is the compliance and respect to the legislation on the protection of animals. All experimental protocols have to be approved by the Ethics Committee on Animal Experimentation of University of Lleida (UdL) and the Applied and Experimental Biomedical Research Center (CREBA).

The IRBLleida also ensures that researchers have the highest level of education, training and professional skills for animal research, and the personnel directly involved in animal care guarantees the best facilities, husbandry, wellbeing and veterinary care.