Research with animals
For conducting experiments involving animals, you need a project license and a valid research plan. On this page, you will read what this entails and how to submit these documents. You will also find other relevant information regarding conducting research involving animals here.
Project license
The project license is granted by the Centrale Commissie Dierproeven (CCD), the central authority for scientific procedures on animals. The CCD must seek advice from the Animal Experiments Committee (‘Dierenexperimentencommisie’ or DEC in Dutch) before granting the license. The Animal Welfare Body (AWB) coordinates the project application with the applicant before it goes to the CCD. The AWB will discuss the design and strategy of the project application to ensure it is suitable for achieving the scientific goals. Additionally, the AWB will verify whether the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) have been properly applied in the context of responsible research with animals. In this coordination, the AWB involves a scientist committed to the AWB and the designated veterinarian. You can contact the AWB to discuss your project involving animal experiments. The AWB will then guide you through each step of the process.
Research plan
A research plan is a detailed description of the animal experiment. Each animal experiment requires a separate research plan. The AWB, together with the designated veterinarian, the animal facility, the statistician, and the quality and safety officers, will assess the research plan. The AWB will check whether the research plan fits within the project license. Along with the co-assessors, the AWB will also assess whether the research plan can be further improved with a focus on the 3Rs, aiming to promote responsible animal research.
Modifications to project application or research plan
During the duration of a project license, it may be necessary to make one or more amendments to the project application or associated research plan. Here you can find more information on the AWB's policy regarding making changes and the steps you need to take: