University of Edinburgh
Below is a clear summary of what we know about their use of animals in research and how you can take action.
This university is known to conduct experiments on animals as part of its research and teaching activities.
On this page, you’ll find a summary of the available data and how you can take action. You can also explore the university’s own information here.
Total procedures carried out in 2024
%
Involved rodents and fish
Were classified as “severe”
Species Breakdown
Mice, rats and zebrafish were used most frequently. Additional species were also used in smaller numbers.
Full list of all species used
| Species | Number of Procedures | Percentage of Grand Total |
| Rodents | 88008 | 64.30% |
| Mice | 78286 | 57.20% |
| Rats | 9598 | 7.01% |
| Spiny mice | 60 | 0.04% |
| Wood mice | 64 | 0.05% |
| Fish | 43760 | 31.97% |
| Zebrafish (Danio rerio) | 43760 | 31.97% |
| Bird | 3473 | 2.54% |
| Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) | 3473 | 2.54% |
| Wild animals monitored in the wild or captured and released | 1155 | 0.84% |
| Sheep | 203 | 0.15% |
| Red deer | 67 | 0.05% |
| Flatfish | 113 | 0.08% |
| Mice | 352 | 0.26% |
| Wood mice | 420 | 0.31% |
| Agricultural species | 465 | 0.34% |
| Cattle | 175 | 0.13% |
| Pigs | 114 | 0.08% |
| Sheep | 176 | 0.13% |
| Client-owned animals involved in studies aimed at improving care for sick animals | 1 | 0.00% |
| Horses | 1 |
These figures scientific procedures involving animals reported by the university for 2024.
- Mice (78,286) 57.2%
- Zebrafish (43,760) 31.97%
- Rats (9,598) 7%
Severity of Procedures
Animal procedures are classified by severity, ranging from mild interference to procedures that cause substantial suffering. This breakdown highlights the levels of impact experienced by animals in the university’s research.
Sub-threshold
Mild
Moderate
Severe
Non-recovery
What you can do
If you’re concerned about the use of animals in research, you can make your voice heard. Whether you’re a student, member of staff, alumni, or local resident, we’ve created easy-to-use templates to help you contact the university and ask for change.