The University of Bath has been highlighted once more for its outstanding commitment in openness and transparency on animal research communications, after being included in a list of Leaders in Openness by Understanding Animal Research.

The University of Bath has been a signatory of the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research since its inception in 2014.

Over the past decade, signatories have worked to transform the culture of animal research communications by explaining when, how, and why animals are used, strengthening engagement with the public and media, proactively creating opportunities for dialogue, and reporting progress each year.

These efforts have resulted in a wealth of accessible information, innovative public engagement activities, and a growing willingness within organisations to discuss their research openly and honestly.

Since the launch of the Concordat, the University has ensured that policy relating to animal research is easy to find on its website. Webpages include case studies of the animal research conducted at Bath, news stories, and facts and figures about the numbers and types of animals used in research.

The University has been piloting the use of technology to allow staff and students to visit the animal facilities remotely. There is also an annual lecture on campus, open to all staff and students, on topical issues in animal research including ethical matters, regulatory considerations and non-animal methods in biomedical research.

Last year saw the University’s first public lecture off campus to feature animal research as part of the Minerva Public Lecture Series on “Why treat addiction?”

These activities all contribute to making animal research more visible and add to the University’s efforts towards greater openness.

Leader status was initially awarded to the University of Bath for three years in 2019. It was renewed in 2022 and has now been conferred for a third time until 2028.

To extend their Leadership status for a further three years, organisations were asked to highlight what has changed since their first application to become Leaders in Openness, including new initiatives, extensions of previous ideas, new or reformatted websites and the development of policies that make animal research more visible and contribute towards greater openness.

Professor Sarah Bailey, Openness Champion in the University’s Department of Life Sciences, said: “We are delighted to retain our Leader in Openness status which we have held continuously since 2019.

“We are among 10 institutions out of 130 signatories selected for this award in 2025.

“The award acknowledges the sustained, collective efforts of a dedicated and collaborative team including animal technicians, researchers, members of Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (a governance body required for all UK establishments that use, breed or supply animals for scientific procedures), our Communications Department and Press Office and the senior management.

“It’s great to have this recognition of our work towards building a culture of openness and engaging the public with the humane use of animals in biomedical research at Bath. We have continued to push our boundaries and I’m looking forward to what we’ll achieve next.”

Hannah Hobson, Head of Communications and Engagement at Understanding Animal Research, said: “The Concordat’s aim is to move past secrecy, building public trust through a clear and established code of practice for life science research communications. By explaining why animal research is carried out and how harms are minimised, signatories help the public weigh the benefits and costs and address widespread misconceptions about this important area of science.

“For 2025 to 2028, a select group of research organisations has once again demonstrated outstanding commitment in all these areas, earning the ‘Leaders in Openness’ title for three years.

“This recognition reflects the energy, thoughtfulness, and courage they show in making information about animal research accessible and understandable to the public on a subject that is often complex and misunderstood.”