Use of animals in AMRC charity funded research

Published: June 2026

This briefing outlines the number of research grants funded by our member charities starting in 2025 that involved animals. We provide a breakdown of the types of animals used.

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Data Notes

Of the 147 AMRC member charities, 113 awarded grants starting in 2025.

Of these 113 charities, 72 (64%) funded at least one grant involving animals starting in 2025.

Out of 3,095 grants, 2,979 (96%) reported on whether the grant involved the use of animals. 556 grants involved animals, representing 19% of 2,979 grants.

Animals reported were: mice, rats, zebrafish, insects, pigs, non-human primates, dogs, domestic fowl, cattle, killifish, amphibians, goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, immature forms of vertebrates not protected by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, cats, horses, reptiles, roundworms and other birds, rodent and fish.

Of the 556 grants that reported using animals, 506 (91%) reported on whether the animals were genetically modified. 347 grants involved genetically modified animals, representing 68.6% of 506.

Read our guidance on research involving animals

Explore AMRC resources on the use of animals in research, including advice on transparency and the 3Rs