Research Animal Welfare

Primates in Research: Applying the 3Rs

Non-human primates used in biomedical research have complex cognitive and social needs; rigorous application of the 3Rs framework — Replace, Reduce, Refine — is essential to justify and minimise their use.

Key Facts

Approximately 125,000 non-human primates are used in research globally each year
Macaques account for the majority of primate research use
Social isolation causes profound psychological harm in social primate species
Many primate experiments can now be partially or fully replaced by organoid models

Welfare Considerations

Non-human primates have the highest welfare protections among research animals in most jurisdictions, reflecting their cognitive complexity and capacity for suffering. However, social housing, environmental enrichment, and humane endpoints remain inconsistently implemented. The 3Rs framework demands active effort to develop alternatives, reduce numbers, and refine procedures — not simply compliance with minimum standards.

What You Can Do

Support funding for non-primate research models including organoids and in silico methods
Advocate for strong implementation of humane endpoints in primate research protocols
Encourage transparency in primate research use and outcomes through open science practices