Investigating diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes, better understanding and developing treatments for concussion and spinal cord injuries, monitoring global fish stocks and understanding how species are adapting to climate change are just some of the ways in which UBC researchers are working with animals to investigate a diverse range of medical, environmental and sustainability issues.
At UBC we value the work of our researchers tackling issues with serious social impacts, and support the use of animals where necessary in this work. We also take the oversight of this research very seriously and we are committed to the welfare of animals used in our research activities.
Research Areas
At UBC, animals are involved in a range of research activities.
Read about UBC discoveries involving animal research
Numbers of Animals Used in UBC Research
UBC releases its animal research numbers publically each year. In 2019, 151,239 animals were involved in 642 research and teaching protocols. More than 96 per cent of animals involved in UBC research were rodents, fish reptiles and amphibians.
Investigate the numbers of animals used in research at UBC
Oversight
Research projects involving animals at UBC must go through multiple levels of approvals and monitoring and abide by established regulations. Projects receiving funding are evaluated for scientific merit by funding agencies; protocols that govern how animals are to be used must be approved by UBC's Animal Care Committee and adhere to regulations enforced by the CCAC. The welfare of the animals is monitored by UBC's team of veterinarians, and our facilities and practices are reviewed on an ongoing basis through CCAC inspections.
Discover more about the oversight of animal research at UBC
Responsible transparency
UBC continues to take steps towards responsible transparency in animal research. We were the first Canadian university to provide information on the total number, species groups, degree of invasiveness and purpose of use of animals involved in research. UBC is also the first Canadian university to release its comprehensive assessment report by the Canadian Council for Animal Care. We are committed to increasing transparency further, and encourage you to browse the virtual tours and learn more about our researchers.
The 3 R's
UBC is committed to the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement in our animal research.