Exploring the ethical framework for obtaining materials from sentient animals
Exploring the ethical framework for obtaining materials from sentient animals
22 January 2026, 10:00-11:00 GMT
On 22 January, UKRIO will host an Expert Webinar featuring guest speakers involved in developing the Ethical framework for obtaining materials from sentient animals, a research guidance document that UKRIO helped create and published in Summer 2025.
This session will offer a deep dive into the Ethical Framework, showing attendees how it can be used to strengthen ethical practice in research activities involving the obtainment of materials from sentient animals. Speakers will outline the background to how the Framework was created, explore the scope and content of the Framework, and highlight that individuals and organisations are welcome to adopt or adapt any part of it to enhance their own ethical assessment processes.
About the framework
The Ethical framework for obtaining materials from sentient animals is a user-friendly resource designed to support research organisations and other stakeholders in making sound ethical decisions when obtaining materials from sentient animals. It was developed by the Animal Materials Working Group, a UK-wide initiative led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute, with contributions from the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) and input from a broad range of stakeholders.
Why it is needed
Procuring materials from animals can be complex, involving diverse sources and significant ethical considerations. Existing guidance on how organisations can ethically assess these activities is limited.
The Framework addresses this gap by providing clear, practical guidance for evaluating the ethical dimensions of obtaining materials from sentient animals. It promotes consistency through benchmarking across multiple organisations, supports informed and proportionate decision-making, and encourages reflective practice on animal welfare and sourcing. By fostering a more robust and standardised approach, the Framework aims to advance good practice across the research community and beyond.
ℹ️ Key details
Format: Online webinar, hosted via Zoom
Access: Open to all, registration required
Best suited for: Anyone involved in the ethical assessment/governance of, or due diligence relating to, animal materials, including:
- Researchers and laboratory staff
- Research ethics and governance teams
- Research administrators and managers
- AWERBs, AWBs, IACUCs and research ethics committees (RECs)
Speakers
Carol Smee
Carol Smee has worked at the Wellcome Sanger Institute for over 17 years, starting as the Regulatory Adviser and building a team of research governance professionals over this time. After working across multiple aspects of regulatory compliance, including the Human Tissue Act and Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, setting relevant Institute policies, creating processes, and enabling ethical review at the Institute, she is now Head of Research Governance for Trusted Global Compliance. In this role, Carol leads a team which focuses on the use of non-human materials in research. The team enables compliance with regulations associated with Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), including the Nagoya Protocol; wildlife and environmental legislation, including protected species, protected areas and import authorisations; and carries out ethical assessment ahead of the use of materials from sentient animals.
She supported the development of the Framework as a leading contributor and convener.
Dr Nikki Osborne
Dr Nikki Osborne is the Founding Director of Learning Development & Research Training Ltd and a licensed Mindset Practitioner. Since gaining her PhD in Developmental Neurobiology at King’s College London, Nikki has accumulated over 20 years of experience working within the academic research community within the UK, Europe and beyond. During this time, she worked with academic, commercial, regulatory and non-governmental organisations to promote best practice and support its implementation through education, training, ethical and peer review, plus policy work.
She supported the development of the Framework as a contributor.
Need Support?
Please direct any questions about this event to events@ukrio.org