Survey on the use of models in research

This survey is now closed.

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is consulting the research community (including academic, industrial and other researchers) on their current use of experimental systems or models for human and animal research, as well as their future perspectives.

The overall purpose of this consultation is to gain a better understanding of this complex area, examine the use of models in research and innovation, identify barriers that might be stifling this area, identify strengths and weaknesses of currently available models in research and define unmet needs in this area.

The anticipated long-term outcome is to ensure that the ‘right’ experimental model is being used for the ‘right’ purpose in research. For example:

  • reproducibility of the research conducted using animal and non-animal models
  • relevance of these systems to recapitulate the areas of interest
  • limitations on the availability of appropriate systems to answer important research questions
  • the extent to which the refinement, reduction and replacement of animals in research is affecting the choice and availability of models in research.

The survey report will be published on our website following discussion with BBSRC’s Bioscience for Integrated Understanding of Health Strategy Advisory Panel.

All information submitted to BBSRC will be treated in confidence. Non-attributable comments from the survey comments may be used in subsequent activities, for example included in internal and external publications on this topic.

Contact

If you have any questions about the survey please contact:

Luke Williams

Email: bfh@bbsrc.ukri.org.

Last updated: 17 August 2023

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