Parties involved

The following parties are involved in animal experiments at Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht.

Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA)

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) supervises the compliance of all institutions that conduct experiments on animals with the Experiments on Animals Act. It carries out inspections on the execution of animal experiments, the paperwork of animal experiments and the housing and situation of test animals as part of this supervision. In addition, it grants institutional licences and publishes an annual report on animal experiments in the Netherlands.

Central Authority for Scientific Procedures on Animals (CCD)

For each research project involving laboratory animals, an application for an additional project licence must be submitted to the national Central Authority for Scientific Procedures on Animals (CCD), set up by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The CCD makes a decision regarding the project licence application, based on the advice provided by an Animal Experiment Committee (DEC).

National Advisory Committee on Animal Experiment Policy (NCad)

The National Advisory Committee on Animal Experiment Policy (NCad) was also set up by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. It advises the minister, the CCD and Animal Welfare Bodies about purchasing, breeding, accommodation, care and use of animals for experiments, and uses the 3R’s (replacement, reduction and refinement) and the transition to animal-free innovation as a fundamental principle.

Utrecht Animal Welfare Body

Every institution that deals with laboratory animals (breeder, supplier, user) has an Animal Welfare Body. This is required by law. Utrecht University and the UMC Utrecht have set up the Utrecht Animal Welfare Body for this purpose. We are responsible for the welfare and care of all laboratory animals used by the two institutions, and for the qualifications and competencies of those who work with laboratory animals. We also supervise project licence application and the implementation of the project, and advise all those who are involved with the animal experiments.

3Rs Centre

The 3Rs Centre encourage the development, acceptance and implementation of 3R methods (alternatives to animal experiments) within Utrecht Life Sciences (ULS). We at the Animal Welfare Body have a close working relationship with the centre.

TPI Utrecht

TPI Utrecht is a workgroup within Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht and HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, which is involved in the transition to animal-free innovation. The group has a helpdesk and organizes helpatons: creative interdisciplinary meeting where participants work together on animal-free innovation for a specific scientific question.

Licensees

Utrecht University and the UMC Utrecht both have an institutional licence to carry out experiments on animals. They collaborate closely in this area. The licences are based on the Experiments on Animals Act. In addition, a project licence for each research project is necessary.

Animal Ethics Committee (DEC)

Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht have a central Animal Ethics Committee (DEC). This group of experts discusses every project licence application in detail. They consider the ethics, check whether enough effort has been made to find alternatives and decide if the research meets the highest scientific standards. Based on these considerations, they offer advice to the CCD, after adjustments have been made by the researcher if necessary. The laboratory animal experts at the Animal Welfare Body in turn advise the AEC about animal welfare.

Veterinarian

Every breeder, supplier or user of laboratory animals must employ a veterinary surgeon or another qualified expert. This vet provides advice regarding the treatment and welfare of the animals. In Utrecht, this may be a different veterinarian for each laboratory animal location.

Principal Investigator

The researcher who bears the final responsibility for the research project and submits the application:

  • has a Master’s degree in the relevant field of study
  • has a certificate for the legally required Course on Laboratory Animal Science
  • is registered with the Animal Welfare Body
  • continues to educate him/herself with courses, conferences, skills training

Study Director

The Study Director (the researcher who performs the animal experiment):

  • has a Master’s degree in the relevant field of study and a certificate for the legally required Course on Laboratory Animal Science ór a diploma from a recognised educational programme (MBO, HBO, Biotechnique or Zoological Analyst)
  • is registered with the Animal Welfare Body
  • continues to educate him/herself with courses, conferences, skills training
  • is demonstrably competent in the use of laboratory animals, as determined by the laboratory animal experts from the Utrecht Animal Welfare Body

Research analyst / biotechnician

The research analyst involved in the animal experiments:

  • has a diploma from a recognised educational programme (MBO, HBO, biotechnique or zoological analyst)
  • is registered with the Animal Welfare Body
  • continues to educate him/herself with courses, conferences, skills training
  • is demonstrably competent in the use of laboratory animals, as determined by the laboratory animal experts from the Utrecht Animal Welfare Body

Animal caretaker

The animal caretaker that works with laboratory animals:

  • has a recognised MBO level 3 animal caretaker diploma
  • is registered with the Animal Welfare Body
  • continues to educate him/herself with courses, conferences, skills training
  • is demonstrably competent in the use of laboratory animals, as determined by the laboratory animal experts from the Utrecht Animal Welfare Body

Other Co-Workers

Special rules apply for temporary guest staff, students, interns and medical specialists who participate in experiments on animals. For example, they may only work with laboratory animals while under the supervision of an authorised individual.

Locations

Experimental animal research takes place at various locations at Utrecht University and the UMC Utrecht. Most activities take place in the Central Laboratory Animal Research Facility (GDL). This facility is part of Utrecht University.