Animal Research in Manchester

Oglesby Cancer Research Building front at night

We aim to make our research activities as open and transparent as possible, this is one of our underlying values at the MCRC that guides our cancer research activities. We’re committed to developing research that helps society understand how and why cancer develops, and prevent or cure cancer in its earliest stage. Sometimes this means using animals in our research – but only when absolutely essential and no other alternative is available.

Use of Animals in Cancer Research

The majority of our research does not involve animals. However, our research needs to be underpinned by an understanding of disease mechanisms and, in some cases, this means using animals in our research activities.

Both Cancer Research UK and The University of Manchester are signatories of the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research which sets out how organisations report the use of animals in scientific, medical and veterinary research in the UK and underpins our pledge to be transparent and honest about our research activities.

We incorporate the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) in every aspect of our in vivo programmes.

Cancer Research UK only carries out research involving animals when there is no alternative. To help inform researchers and the public about the use of animals in research, CRUK has extensive information summarising its position on animal research.

The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute (CRUK MI) only uses mice in research. These are either bred or obtained from suppliers licensed to supply animals for research. Further information on how the CRUK MI use mice in research is available on the use of animals in research webpage on the Institute website.

Our Values

Our Values are the guiding principles that define the way we work each day. They are at the core of our research activities and act as the bedrock of the MCRC upon which our Vision and Mission have been forged.

Driving Cancer Team Science:

Cancer is a global challenge and requires a plan built around collaboration and Team Science to beat it.