Neurobiological Research Facility Team
The Neurobiological Research Facility (NRF) team is responsible for taking care of our animals while supporting all animal research at SWC as well as providing strategic direction on the trends and changes in both laboratory animal technology and welfare.
Most importantly, the NRF’s comprehensive animal care and use programme aims to ensure that our laboratory animal husbandry and services meet scientific needs while following the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement), an internationally-recognised framework for performing more humane animal research.
NRF team
The NRF team is made up of a number of individuals who look after animal welfare and make sure that researchers are appropriately trained and kept informed of any changes in regulation or standard practice. These include:
- Laboratory Animal Technologists who care on a day-to-day basis for the health and welfare of the animals
- A Named Training and Competency Officer (NTCO) who oversees mandatory initial training and conducts significant ongoing competency assessment for all researchers as they develop and maintain their skills
- Named Animal Care and Welfare Officers (NACWOs) who have direct responsibility to the Establishment’s Licence Holder and ensure that animals are well cared for and healthy
- A Named Information Officer (NIO) who is responsible for ensuring those dealing with animals in the establishment have access to the information they need regarding the relevant species and the procedures being performed
- An independent Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS) who ensures that medical care of the animals is of the highest standard. The NVS is supported by a team of veterinarians from Owlvets to provide 24/7 care
