Information for those who plan studies in animals

Planning animal studies

Practical information - before you can get access to the facility or start experiments.

Main content

Planning experiments

Below, you will find tabs containing various topics and considerations that must be reviewed before starting the experiments.

Access to the write ethical application

Applications for animal experiments must be submitted through FOTS.

Please refer to the tab below for more details.

Access to the animal facility

"What information does the Lab Animal Facility require from you?

Apply for access using this link
You must attend an in-person session for instructions on fire safety and escape routes.

Laws and regulations for Animal Studies

Animal research is strictly regulated to ensure ethical treatment and scientific integrity. At the University of Bergen, all studies involving animals must comply with national laws, EU directives, and institutional guidelines. These regulations cover everything from planning and approval to housing...

Application for animal studies

All animal research in Norway requires approval from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet), and applications must be submitted electronically through FOTS – the application and oversight system of the Norwegian Animal Research Authority. On this page, you will find an overview of the...

What does it cost to conduct animal experiments at UiB?

Animal research involves costs related to housing, feed, technical support, and use of facilities. On this page, you will find information on how prices are calculated, what is included in the services, and how invoicing is handled. The full price list can be found at the bottom of the page.

Application in FOTS

Application to the national animal research authority in Mattilsynet have to be filled in and sent electronically in FOTS (“Forsøksdyrforvatningen tilsyns- og søknadssystem”).

Classification of severity of procedures

Examples of classification of procedures

3R - Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal experiments

The 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—are fundamental principles in animal research ethics designed to minimize harm and improve scientific quality. Here’s what it means and how you should address them in your application:

Changing Research Practices – Alternatives to Animal Testing at the Animal Facility

As part of the 3R initiatives at the Animal Facility, University of Bergen, and with financial support from the Norwegian Animal Protection Alliance, we established in 2009 a training program that does not require the use of live animals.

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Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) in the Animal Facility

Working with laboratory animals in a research setting involves several risk factors. To protect both personnel and animals, it is essential to follow established safety procedures and guidelines. These measures help prevent accidents, reduce exposure to allergens and infectious agents, and ensure...

Project start-up meetings

Prescription, storage and use of drugs and testsubstanses for animals

What information do you need to give us to order prescriptions?

Ordering animals

All orders for laboratory animals must be approved by the Animal Facility before they are placed. This ensures that the animals come from approved suppliers, that the order complies with the current experimental protocol, and that reception and transport are carried out safely and in accordance with...

Reservation of surgeries, laboratories, etc..

Here you find information on how to book operation rooms, rules of order and more

Export and shipment of live animals

All information below regarding the shipment must be filled out before the Lab Animal Facility can start the export process.

Animal surgery and anesthesia at UiB

A good surgery begins prior to any incision made...

Refinement by use of early humane endpoints

The animal research regulation say the that methods and test strategies shall be planned to prevent, eliminate or minimize pain, suffering and distress Death as and endpoint shall be avoided

09.01.2026