Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Friday, 10 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Animal Experiments

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the policy paper entitled Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, published on 11 November 2025, what progress has she made in facilitating widespread adoption of AI methods to assess potential safety and toxicity profiles.

Answer

Increasing investment in data-driven biology sits with UKRI, which is engaging with stakeholders on how best to embed data enabled approaches within future funding opportunities. Reporting on the portfolio of investments in alternative methods is planned for 2026.

The Office for Life Sciences is also working with the Regulatory Innovation Office, industry and regulators in developing plans to support robust AI and machine learning model development for safety and toxicity testing.

The Government will publish a delivery update, alongside key performance indicators on progress across all elements of the strategy, later in 2026.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
125657
Session
2024-26
Related items
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Animal experiments Artificial intelligence
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk