The LMB has been granted Leaders in Openness status for 2026-2029. This UK-wide recognition is awarded to organisations demonstrating sector-leading transparency in communications concerning the use of animals in research. It builds upon the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK, established in 2014, to encourage open and honest public dialogue.
First introduced in 2019, Leaders in Openness status is administered by Understanding Animal Research, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing societal comprehension of the humane use of animals in research in the UK. It is given only after completion of a rigorous application process, assessed by public representatives and peer reviewers, in which applicants must demonstrate how they have gone above and beyond to make the principles of openness and transparency central to their operations. The status is awarded for three years, after which holders must reapply, providing evidence of their continued leadership and dedication to explaining when, how and why animals are used in research.
This recognition is a significant milestone for the LMB. The LMB’s Biological Services facility carefully manages breeding and experimental colonies of mice and rats, and animal welfare is central to their work. Rigorous oversight, regular assessments and specialist training ensure animals are used only where no suitable alternatives exist and that the highest standards of care are upheld. In parallel, the LMB actively pursues and develops replacement approaches wherever possible. The assessment framework for Leaders in Openness status has provided clear guidance for the LMB to follow to be more open and visible about this work and the standards that underpin it.
As part of this commitment to openness, the LMB has worked to make information about its use of animals clear, accessible and easy to find. This includes publishing detailed statistics on the numbers of animals used and the types of experiments conducted each year, alongside explanations of why this work is necessary. The LMB also shares this information through its social media channels, including videos illustrating measures implemented to further the principles of Replacement, Refinement and Reduction (the 3Rs) and a virtual tour of the animal facility. Research articles that involve work with mice or rats are clearly labelled online so readers can understand how the research was carried out.
Beyond digital communications, LMB animal technicians have led in‑person engagement, developing a rodent care activity for the 2023 LMB Open Day, which attracted more than 2,500 visitors, hosting a bespoke friends‑and‑family visit to the animal facility attended by over 50 people and delivering workshops and animal facility tours for work experience students. This sustained approach to transparency has previously been recognised with an Openness Award from Understanding Animal Research.
Lesley Drynan, Head of Biological Services, commented: “We are delighted that the LMB has been recognised by UAR as a Leader in Openness. This achievement reflects the ongoing commitment and dedication of LMB staff to transparency in our use of animals in research, to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and to upholding scientific integrity. We are proud to receive this recognition, which highlights the progress we have made on our openness journey. We look forward to continuing this in collaboration with UAR, whose support and partnership have been instrumental in enabling this progress.”
Further references
Leaders in Openness 2026-2029 – Understanding Animal Research
LMB Animal Research
LMB wins Openness Award from Understanding Animal Research
