Wellcome Sanger Institute leads work on an ethical framework to guide the responsible sourcing of animal materials
A new Ethical Framework for Obtaining Materials from Sentient Animals was published on 4 June 2025 to support and better enable consistency in ethical decision-making ahead of the acquisition of animal materials for use in research, education, design and other areas of work.
Developed by a UK-based working group of experts, primarily from across the research sector, and led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute with contributions from the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO), this Framework offers much-needed and timely guidance in an area where ethical assessment can be complex and potentially overlooked. The Framework is designed to help support organisations with making responsible, transparent, and proportionate decisions when sourcing materials from sentient animals.
A response to an identified gap
The Framework addresses the need for clear, practical guidance in an area where formal oversight can sometimes be inconsistent. While existing legal and ethical review requirements remain in place and continue to be essential, this resource provides a complementary, cohesive approach to support an organisation’s existing good ethical practice, particularly where there may be limited guidance elsewhere.
“This Framework offers a supportive reference point for any organisation seeking to carry out an ethical assessment ahead of obtaining materials from sentient animals. The approaches described in the Framework have been bench-marked with the organisations represented on the Animal Materials Working Group and with input from a wider group of stakeholders. The Working Group envisions that through publishing this Framework, organisations who choose to use it, in whole or in part, can be confident that the ethical decisions they make will be consistent with others in their sector.”
– Carol Smee,
Head of Research Governance for Trusted Global Compliance at the Wellcome Sanger Institute
Comprehensive in scope
The Framework applies to the acquisition of materials from sentient animals, as defined in the UK Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act. It addresses a wide range of material sources, including:
- Research and laboratories
- Museum collections and historical specimens
- Veterinarians and zoos
- Farmed animals and wildlife
- Commercial sources and retail providers
The Framework does not replace existing regulatory or ethical review requirements but offers a cohesive, benchmarked approach to help guide responsible decisions where other guidance may be limited.
Accessible, inclusive, and practical
The Framework includes a user guide, flowchart, and glossary to ensure accessibility and ease of use. It is adaptable to a wide range of contexts and types of materials, for example, those obtained through veterinary practice, farming, or retail providers, and including from living animals or acquired post-mortem.
Created with input from research governance, research ethics professionals, and other stakeholders, the Framework is designed to be used flexibly – either in full or in part – and is freely available to any organisation worldwide. Institutions are welcome to integrate any of the guidance provided into their own internal policies and practices.
Call to action
Research organisations are encouraged to use the Framework as a key reference and/or incorporate it, in whole or in part, into policies and processes related to sourcing materials from sentient animals. Organisations can adapt the information, as needed, to support their ethical responsibilities and guide ethical decision-making.
Feedback and suggestions are welcomed by the Animal Materials Working Group (AMWG), especially from organisations adopting or applying the Framework in practice. Comments can be directed to nagoya@sanger.ac.uk.
Acknowledgements
The Framework was initiated and led by individuals in the Research Governance team at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, with support from the Animal Materials Working Group (AMWG). AMWG members generously shared their expertise and time to help compile the Framework. Contributors include representatives from UK universities, a museum, and independent organisations. The AMWG would also like to thank all the key stakeholders who reviewed the draft documents.
To download the Framework and learn more, visit UKRIO’s website.