National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs): Request for continued financial support; NHP use and welfare, CRACK-IT and reporting negative results. (360G-Wellcome-209713_Z_17_Z)

This paper sets out a request for £145k per annum for three years to support the NC3Rs 3Rs peer review and advice service, and associated non-human primate welfare activities.Over the last three years, funding from Wellcome has ensured that we can provide it with independent and expert advice on grant applications involving the use of "sensitive" species such as non-human primates, dogs and cats, as well as being able to significantly expand the 3Rs peer review service to include other research funding bodies, schemes and species. In the last three years, we have reviewed 297 applications, up 227% over the previous period. This included a 219% increase in applications reviewed for Wellcome, from 52 to 114. By flagging applications that raise concerns and highlighting opportunities for best practice that strengthen both the science and consideration of the 3Rs, we have protected the reputation of Wellcome and the sector more broadly. Aligned with the 3Rs peer review service is our focus on the welfare of non-human primates and the work we have led to drive significant improvements in the housing, husbandry and use of these animals. We are seeking £125k per annum for scientific staff costs (equivalent to 2.5 FTEs) to support the 3Rs peer review and advice service and associated non-human primate welfare projects, and £20k per annum for the annual non-human primate welfare meeting. The latter includes the costs associated with venue hire and speakers’ travel and accommodation.The funding will ensure that we are able to meet the growing demand for the 3Rs peer review and advice service from Wellcome and other research funding bodies, and sustain the current level of welfare activities, ultimately helping to ensure public confidence in animal research.