11 May 2026
Animal research that is developing new medicines, questioning what we know about animal minds, and rethinking how we treat the creatures we share our world with is happening right here in Reading.
The University of Reading is committed to being open and honest about its use of animals in research, sharing what we do, why we do it, and the difference it makes.
Through a programme of events, publications, film and open debate over May and June 2026, we are setting out to show how and why animals are used in research at Reading, and to invite everyone, including those with concerns or objections, to be part of that conversation.
We are not only a leader in biomedical research but a centre for some of the most pressing health science questions of our time, from cancer and epilepsy to heart disease and infectious illness. Animal research is a regulated, carefully managed part of that work, and we are committed to being open about how and why we do it.
Research carried out at Reading involving animals has included:
Cows: research into bovine TB has contributed to the development of vaccines for cattle, helping farmers keep their herds free of TB and reducing pressure on calls to cull wild animals that carry TB, such as badgers
Llamas: work using llama antibodies is supporting efforts to find new therapies and vaccines for humans
Rats and mice: research into groundbreaking cannabis-derived medicines to treat childhood epilepsy was made possible by early research using rats and mice at Reading
Fish: zebrafish are bred at Reading to show the effects of new drugs being developed to treat heart disease
As this programme develops, expect:
A lecture on animal research at Whiteknights campus on 4 June. Funded by the University of Reading Centenary Project Grant Scheme, the lecture will explore key breakthroughs achieved by Reading researchers over the past 100 years, their real-world impacts, and how the University is building legacies for ethical and transparent animal research in the century ahead.
New research announcements, including work on how animal studies are helping tackle brain cancer
Our 2025 animal use figures and insights into variations from previous years
Behind-the-scenes film content from inside our animal research facilities
News of a project exploring philosophical research into animal sentience and welfare
A revamped ‘animal research at Reading’ website
News and information will be shared on this page and across the University of Reading's news and social media channels.
Sign up to attend our public lecture: The Past Present and Future of Animal Research at Reading
View the Animal Research at Reading webpage
We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2027/28 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2026/27 courses.
