The Animal Facility
The Animal Facility at the University of Bergen is the core facility that ensures responsible, ethical, and research-supportive use of laboratory animals. We offer modern facilities, expert guidance, and operational support to researchers who are planning or conducting animal studies. As a user, you will receive assistance in navigating regulations, application processes, and training requirements, ensuring that your projects are carried out in accordance with current laws and best practices.
About
The Animal Facility at the University of Bergen is an AAALAC International–accredited core facility that ensures responsible, ethical, and research-supportive use of laboratory animals. The accreditation demonstrates that we operate in accordance with internationally recognized standards for animal welfare, quality, and research integrity.
We offer modern facilities, expert guidance, and operational support to researchers who are planning or conducting animal studies. As a user, you will receive assistance in navigating regulations, application processes, and training requirements, ensuring that your project is carried out in accordance with current laws and best practices.
On this page, you will find everything you need to get started—from access and training to services, facilities, and ethical guidelines.
Getting started
To use the Animal Facility, your project must be approved by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, and all participants must have the required training. We will guide you through the process, from planning to practical implementation. Before applying for access, you should have a clear project description, an assessment of animal welfare, and an overview of the resources you need.
Once your project is approved, you will receive information about registration, access procedures, and how to best prepare for working in the facilities. Here you will also find links to application forms, guidelines, and contact points if you need support along the way.
Training and competence requirements:
All personnel working with laboratory animals must be trained and document relevant competence. The Animal Facility offers mandatory courses in animal welfare, handling, anesthesia, and procedures, tailored to different roles within research projects.
We also provide guidance on how to document prior experience, the requirements for project leaders and researchers performing procedures, and how to keep your competence up to date.
Facilities and services:
The Animal Facility provides modern infrastructure for work with approved animal models, including animal housing units, procedure rooms, surgical units, and specialized technical equipment. Our experts assist with experimental planning, technical support, animal care, and advice related to animal welfare and experimental design.
Regulations and ethics:
The use of laboratory animals is strictly regulated, and we place strong emphasis on ensuring that all activities comply with applicable laws and regulations. We provide an overview of the key requirements, including project approval, reporting, and the distribution of responsibilities between the project leader, the researcher performing procedures, and the Animal Facility.
Contact
Contact us for guidance on laboratory animals, facilities, and studies. We support researchers, students, and collaborators with planning, implementation, and quality assurance, maintaining high standards of animal welfare and research quality.
- Phone number
- +47 55 97 37 88
- Emails
- dyreavdelingen@uib.no