The Concordat on Openness is a set of commitments for UK-based life science organisations to enhance their animal research communications. Launched by Understanding Animal Research on 14 May 2014, the Concordat currently has 127 signatories.

History

In October 2012, over 40 organisations from the life science community in the UK signed a Declaration on Openness on Animal Research. They committed to developing a Concordat setting out how they would be more open about the ways in which animals are used in scientific, medical and veterinary research in the UK.

In May 2014 the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK in the UK was launched with 72 signatories from all sectors of the life sciences community. By July this figure has reached 80. The Concordat commits its signatories to enhance their communication about their use of animals.

Find out how the Concordat was developed

The Commitments

Signatories to the Concordat have agreed to be more open about their use of animals in research, and to abide by the following four commitments.

Commitment 1: We will be clear about when, how and why we use animals in research

Commitment 2: We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our research using animals

Commitment 3: We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research using animals

Commitment 4: We will report on progress annually and share our experiences

All signatories agree that they will work to fulfil the four Commitments, initiating projects and strategies that are relevant and appropriate to their organisations to be more open about their use of animals in research. The signatories will be asked to report on their progress in taking these steps.

View the Concordat on Openness here.

How to sign the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research

If your organisation would like to sign the Concordat, or if you have any questions, please get in touch via the Contact Us page.