Transparency agreement on the use of animals in scientific experimentation in Spain
Currently, animal research plays a fundamental role in advancing biomedical knowledge, allowing us to understand the biological mechanisms involved in diseases and develop new medical treatments. Thanks to animal experimentation, most medicines, antibiotics, vaccines, and surgical techniques applied in both human and veterinary medicine have been developed.
The Institute of Biomedical Research Sols-Morreale (IIBM), as part of the CSIC, fully supports European Directive 2010/63/EU, which establishes principles for the protection of animals used in scientific research and teaching. To ensure the welfare of laboratory animals, the IIBM strictly complies with current legislation, including Royal Decree 53/2013, and with all national and international regulations governing the use of animals in research.
The IIBM has an Ethics Committee on Animal Experimentation, responsible for supervising and evaluating all research projects involving animals. This Committee actively promotes the application of the Three Rs: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement, encouraging the use of alternative methods, minimizing the number of animals used, and continuously improving procedures to reduce animal suffering. All projects must be evaluated and authorized by this Committee and by the competent authority before any experiment begins.
The Institute has also joined the Transparency Agreement on Animal Research, promoted by the Confederation of Scientific Societies of Spain (COSCE) in collaboration with the European Animal Research Association (EARA), reinforcing the IIB’s commitment to responsible communication and transparency regarding the use of animals in research, fostering public trust in science.
Beyond regulatory compliance, the IIBM ensures that all personnel responsible for animal care and researchers receive the necessary training, accreditation, and supervision, including mandatory courses and supervised practice until the required competencies are achieved. The Institute provides adequate resources, facilities, and equipment, as well as a comprehensive welfare and veterinary care program, to ensure animals are maintained under optimal conditions, respecting their physiology and natural behavior.
The IIBM also implements standardized protocols for animal handling and care, including hygiene, feeding, environmental enrichment, handling during experiments, and approved euthanasia techniques, ensuring both the scientific quality of studies and the welfare of animals.
Finally, the Institute promotes an ethical and responsible research culture, encouraging researchers to document and share their practices, participate in continuing education, and contribute to improving international animal welfare standards. This comprehensive policy ensures that animal experimentation at the IIBM is conducted safely, ethically, and in compliance with legislation, reflecting its commitment to scientific excellence and social responsibility.