The phrases “animal testing” and “animal research” are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing, and the distinction is important. 

What is animal testing?

Animal testing refers to the use of animals in tests to ensure certain products work and comply with safety standards before they can be sold or marketed. Products that might require these tests include cosmetics, chemicals or other products that contain chemicals such as pesticides, medicines, or medical devices.  

These tests aim to ensure that these products are safe for the people who use or manufacture them.  

Sometimes, they’re known as safety tests or regulatory tests as the safety information is required by a regulatory body like the Medical Research Council.  

Different countries will have their own regulation around what testing they require to prove safety. For example, in Great Britain, tests on animals for cosmetic products are banned.   

Animal research covers a wide range of research that uses animals, including basic research and the creation and breeding of genetically altered animals. In UK legislation, the term animal research also covers the creation and breeding of genetically altered animals. This involves breeding animals whose genes have mutated or been modified. The breeding animals are not used in other research procedures, but their offspring can be. 

Basic Research: This aims to understand fundamental biology, such as how genes work, how diseases develop, and how the body functions.  

Applied Research: This focuses on specific problems, and  forms the foundation for developing new treatments and therapies. 

Translational Research: This bridges the gap between basic research and clinical application, testing potential treatments and therapies in animals before moving to human trials. 

At Replacing Animal Research, we primarily focus on basic research, as this is where most animals are used in science in the UK, so it’s where we can make the biggest difference.  

Unlike regulatory testing, where guidelines may advise specific animal or non-animal tests, scientists are free to choose the model or method they use, and we can help them explore alternatives. 

Why does the difference matter?

Understanding the difference between animal testing and animal research is crucial for several reasons: 

Clarity: It allows for more accurate and informed discussions about the use of animals in science. This is essential for creating real, lasting change.  

Focus: By focusing on specific types of research, like basic research, we can better target our efforts to develop and promote replacements.  

Transparency: It promotes transparency about how animals are used in science. 

Effective Advocacy: Understanding the nuances of animal use allows you to more effectively advocate for animals in science.  

What does this mean for Replacing Animal Research?

Because we focus on basic research, we can: 

Highlight the potential of replacements: Promote and fund cutting-edge, non-animal methods that are being developed to replace the use of animals in basic research. 

Empower researchers: Support researchers in developing, finding, and implementing these alternatives, providing funding, resources, and expertise. 

Raise awareness: Raise awareness about the availability and potential of alternatives to animal research, educating both the scientific community and the public. 

Support better healthcare for humans: As well as ethical issues, there are major scientific concerns about how translatable animal ‘models’ are to human health. Human-relevant science leads to a better future for animals and humans. 

What can you do?

Your support is vital to our work.  

By donating to Replacing Animal Research, you are directly contributing to a future where no animal suffers for science. You can also visit our resources hub for more advocacy tools and guidance.