Neurobiological Research Facility
The Neurobiological Research Facility (NRF) at SWC, comprises of dedicated, state-of-the-art facilities designed to give animals the best care possible – both for the animals’ wellbeing and to ensure that excellent science can be delivered.
We employ a team of experts who are committed to making sure that our mice and rats are healthy and comfortable. The NRF team support to ensure our compliance with all government directives regarding the treatment of animals, as well as making sure we’re up to date with the latest research on animal welfare. Read more about animal research at SWC
The NRF team liaise with the Home Office's Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) who ensure that the building and all spaces within it that are used for animal research meet statutory standards required for the benefit of animals and people.
Our facilities
Our animals live in state-of-the-art habitats, which can be custom made to fit their needs.
Special controls on the use of laboratory animals in the UK have been in place since 1876. These were revised and extended in 1986 as the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (ASPA). Under the Act, animal research can take place at the SWC using appropriate animal accommodation and veterinary facilities.
Welcome to the virtual tour of one of the NRF's animal unit rooms.
Hygiene in animal husbandry is also an important factor for the health and well-being of the animals. Animal cages, racks and water bottles must be cleaned in a hygienically reliable and sterile way.
The NRF team show how cages are cleaned at SWC in the following video.
Our enrichment practices
We endeavour to provide enriched environments and construct custom made housing to support natural behaviours. We provide additional spaces where animals can engage in play and interaction.
To keep their environments comfortable and interesting, we give our animals various enrichment materials. We regularly trial new enrichment materials to improve the animals' environments and keep up with the needs of science and industry developments.
We also hold workshops to showcase the different enrichment options available at SWC. These workshops help all staff learn about the benefits of enrichment both to our animals and our science.