We Are Committed to Quality Animal Care
Animal Research at Stanford University
CARING for Research Animals
TRAINING Future Scientists
ADVANCING Human and Animal Health
Stanford Supports Animal Research
Stanford University supports the conduct of biomedical research to further the understanding of the world in which we live and to apply this knowledge for the benefit of humans and animals.
Biomedical research draws on a variety of model systems to help answer questions about health and disease. Animals represent only one class of subjects for study. Human beings also are used extensively as research subjects. Alternatives to animal use, which include computer modeling,
cell culture and bacterial systems, are used at Stanford whenever possible.
At Stanford, all research involving animals is subject to rigorous
review by the University Administrative Panel on Laboratory
Animal Care.
In addition, the federal and state governments, as well as independent accreditation organizations, work to ensure that research animals are used
only when necessary and under humane conditions. Stanford is committed to conducting the highest-quality research and to providing animals used in research with the best care available.
Animal experiments have been vital in the development of many vaccines, including polio and of course, the COVID-19 vaccine, the isolation and use of insulin, the discovery of a vaccine for canine parvovirus (which causes a lethal infection in dogs) and other advances that have saved the lives of humans and animals.
Future advances in the treatment of human diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and cancer, will continue to depend on inquiries that use animals, humans and other alternatives.
Featured Articles
50 years of ethics: Scientists navigate an increasingly challenging field
Stanford Medicine News
The Important Role of Animal Research in mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Development
NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Animal Models in COVID-19 Vaccine Development Shouldn’t Go Unnoticed
Foundation for Biomedical Research
Stanford University's Research Program is AAALAC Accredited
To learn more about AAALAC accreditation, check out this one minute video created by AAALAC.
Animal Care and Facilities
All research animals at Stanford live in environments that meet their specific, species-associated needs.
Facts and Myths
You've heard the myths. We'd like to share some of the facts about animals and research science.
Stanford Discoveries
What are the benefits of using animals in research? Stanford researchers have made many important human and animal life-saving discoveries through their work.
Updated April 17, 2023