Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB)
The AWERB is a local framework acting to ensure that all use of animals in the establishment is carefully considered and justified; that best practice is adopted to maximise animal welfare and that experimental methods comply as closely as possible with the 3Rs (replacement, refinement, reduction of the use of animals); and that high standards of accommodation and care are achieved. King’s College London has three AWERB committees to cover research on (1) the Guy’s Campus, (2) the Denmark Hill Campus and (3) the Waterloo Campus and St Thomas’ Hospital site.
The AWERB consists of the local Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer(s), the Named Veterinary Surgeon, the Named Training and Competency Officer(s), research scientists and a lay person. One of these persons acts as the Chairperson. AWERB meetings are usually held on a monthly basis on each site. An important role of the AWERB is to provide advice to the Establishment Licence Holder, who will not approve any project licence application without the approval of the relevant AWERB.