In cases where alternatives are available, laboratory animals may not be used for research in the Netherlands. UM follows the Dutch government policy with respect to animal testing. It is based on replacement, reduction and refinement. All animal tests performed by UM have been approved by the government and meet strict guidelines.

Experiments using animal subjects will remain necessary in the coming decades in order to develop more effective treatments and drugs for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's, diabetes and more. This is why UM is investing in a new, state-of-the-art centre for laboratory animals and animal testing. Researchers at the BMC also work on the further development of alternatives to animal testing, such as computer models.

In the BMC, the animals’ living quarters and the research rooms will be set up in accordance with the latest insights and standards. Both the caretakers of the animals and the researchers conducting the experiments will make every effort to maximise the wellbeing of the animals. 

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