Score Indicators

Score

Exceptional

Science

• Crucial scientific question or knowledge gap

• Highly original and innovative; novel methodology and design

• Of an international standard

• Outstanding track record of the team and environment in this area

• Ethical and/ or governance issues are fully considered

3Rs Impact – Potentially very high e.g.:

• Strategically important 3Rs area

• Replacing/reducing a large number of animals

• Refining a severe procedure (even if numbers affected are low)

• Applicable to other models

• Will have a local impact on animal use with a high likelihood of adoption by other groups nationally/internationally

6

Excellent

Science

• Very important scientific question or knowledge gap

• Original and innovative; novel methodology and design

• Internationally competitive or leading edge nationally

• Excellent track record of the team and environment in this area

• Ethical and/ or governance issues are fully considered

3Rs Impact – Potentially high e.g.:

• Strategically important 3Rs area

• Replacing/reducing a significant number of animals

• Refining a severe/moderate procedure (even if numbers affected are low)

• Could be applicable to other models

• Will have a local impact on animal use with a good likelihood of adoption by other groups nationally/internationally

5

Very High Quality

Science

• Important scientific question or knowledge gap

• Robust methodology and design (innovative in parts)

• Internationally competitive in parts

• Strong track record of the team and environment in this area

• Ethical and/ or governance issues are fully considered

3Rs Impact – Potentially medium/high e.g.:

• Addresses an important 3Rs concern

• Replacing/reducing a significant number of animals

• Refining a moderate procedure (even if numbers affected are low) OR refining a mild procedure where numbers are high

• Could be applicable to other models

• Will have a local impact on animal use with the likelihood of adoption by other groups nationally/internationally

4

Good Quality

Science

• Worthwhile scientific question or knowledge gap

• Methodologically sound study

• Strong track record of the team and environment in this area

• Nationally competitive

• Ethical and/ or governance issues are well considered

3Rs Impact – Potentially medium e.g.:

• Addresses an important 3Rs area

• Replacing/reducing a moderate number of animals

• Refining a moderate procedure (even if numbers affected are low)

• Could be applicable to other models

• Will have a local impact on animal use with potential for adoption by other groups

3

Fair Quality

Science

• Worthwhile scientific question or knowledge gap with potentially useful outcomes

• Methodologically sound study but areas require revision

• Appropriate track record of the team and environment in this area

• Ethical and/ or governance issues are adequately considered

3Rs Impact – Potentially low / medium e.g.:

• Addresses a 3Rs concern

• Replacing/reducing a low number of animals

• Refining a mild/unclassified procedure

• Not applicable to other models

• May have a local impact on animal use but unlikely to be adopted by other groups

2

Poor Quality

Science

• Poorly defined questioned, flawed or duplicative. Not worthwhile.

• Methodologically weak study

• Poor track record of the team and environment in this area

• Ethical and/ or governance issues are not adequately considered

3Rs Impact – no (or very low) 3Rs impact e.g.:

• Does not address a 3Rs concern

• Will not replace/reduce any animal use

• Does not refine a classified procedure

• Not applicable to other models

• Will not have a local impact on animal use or be adopted by other groups

1

Ineligible for funding

(For Office use only NOT to be used by reviewers)

0