Division 10.1 Basic research

‘Basic research’ refers to studies of a fundamental nature including physiology; studies that are designed to add knowledge about normal and abnormal structure, functioning and behaviour of living organisms and environment, this includes also fundamental studies in toxicology. Investigation and analysis focused on a better or fuller understanding of a subject, phenomenon, or a basic law of nature instead of on a specific practical application of the results.

The animals used for the creation of a new genetically altered animal line (including crossing of two lines) intended to be used for the purposes of basic research (for example, developmental biology, immunology) shall be reported according to the purpose category they are being created for. In addition, they are reported in ‘Creation of a new genetic line – Animals used for the creation of a new genetically altered line/strain’.

All animals carrying the genetic alteration shall be reported during the creation of a new line. Also animals used in creation, such as for superovulation, vasectomy and embryo implantation, are reported here. The reporting shall exclude non-genetically altered (wild type) offspring, unless that animal has been genotyped (genetic characterisation/tissue sampling) using an invasive method, which was not carried out for the purposes of identification/marking of the animal.

A new strain or line of genetically altered animals is considered to be ‘established’ where transmission of the genetic alteration is stable, which will be a minimum of two generations, and a welfare assessment has been completed.