University of Portsmouth researchers have been awarded a £654,625 grant from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to tackle a problem that could transform how medical research is conducted, while significantly reducing the number of laboratory animals needed.
The three-year study, led by scientists at the European Xenopus Resource Centre (EXRC) , will examine why African clawed frogs - essential contributors to medical breakthroughs for over 60 years - are experiencing declining productivity in research facilities. By solving this problem, scientists hope to dramatically reduce animal numbers used while accelerating life-saving research.
"We're facing a challenge that affects research worldwide," said Professor Matt Guille , who leads the project. "Xenopus - known more commonly as the African clawed frog - have helped us understand human development, test new medicines, and make discoveries that have saved countless lives. But we're seeing changes that mean researchers need more frogs to achieve the same results. We want to reverse that trend."
African clawed frogs have contributed to major medical advances including the development of treatments for genetic diseases, cancer research, and understanding how organs develop. Their unique biology makes them invaluable for studying human conditions, but recent productivity declines across European laboratories mean research is taking longer and requiring more animals.
The research focuses on three key areas: understanding genetic diversity within laboratory populations, examining how diet and environment affect animal health, and improving housing conditions. The work directly supports the "3 Rs" principle that guides all animal research - replacing animal use where possible, reducing numbers needed, and refining practices to improve welfare.
This isn't just about research efficiency, it's about doing better by the animals that contribute to medical advances. When we improve their health and wellbeing, we need fewer of them while getting better results. It's a win-win approach that benefits both animal welfare and human health."
Professor Joy Watts, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation in the Faculty of Science and Health
Professor Joy Watts , Associate Dean for Research and Innovation in the Faculty of Science and Health, emphasised the human impact: "This isn't just about research efficiency, it's about doing better by the animals that contribute to medical advances. When we improve their health and wellbeing, we need fewer of them while getting better results. It's a win-win approach that benefits both animal welfare and human health."
Dr Annie Godwin , project co-lead, said: "We're essentially asking how can we create the best possible living conditions for these animals? Healthy animals provide more reliable research results, which ultimately helps us help people faster."
The University's European Xenopus Resource Centre (EXRC) has already pioneered several welfare improvements and works with over 70 visiting researchers annually. The centre also supports separate research using a related species to help diagnose rare genetic conditions in children - work that has provided life-changing answers to families across the UK. This diagnostic work, which received £1.1 million in UKRI Medical Research Council (MRC) funding earlier this year and £845,317 in 2021 , provides crucial answers to families who may otherwise have waited years for a diagnosis.
The research team will use advanced genetic analysis and health monitoring to identify solutions that can be implemented in research facilities worldwide. Any improvements will be shared freely with the global scientific community.
The study will run for 36 months, with findings expected to improve research practices worldwide. It will be funded by UKRI's Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) .
