Professor Sarah Bailey, from the University of Bath’s Department of Life Sciences, has been given a prestigious award celebrating her work in promoting openness and transparency around animal research.

Recognising scientists and clinicians who have championed openness in animal research throughout their careers, the Individual Award for Outstanding Contribution to Openness in Animal Research is given by Understanding Animal Research (UAR), a not-for-profit organisation that explains why animals are used in medical and scientific research.

Professor Bailey has championed openness, openly talking about her research involving rodents since the 2000s, during a time when not many scientists were doing so, which led to appearances on TV, radio and print media. She has worked with UAR for several years as a Schools Ambassador, regularly visiting local secondary schools to talk about her work with animals. Sarah has also appeared in several of UAR’s videos.,

At the University of Bath, Professor Bailey led the University’s Openness Strategy for more than a decade, bringing together the communications team, technical staff, senior management and animal researchers to implement the Concordat’s commitments. This led to the University of Bath becoming one of the first signatories of the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research when it was created in 2014.

The University has been highlighted for its commitment in openness and transparency on animal research and recognised as a Leader in Openness since 2019.

Professor Bailey said: “Receiving this award means a great deal to me, it’s an incredible honour.

“I’m passionate about helping people understand why animal research matters for medical progress, and I’m proud to play a part in that work.

“Being open about what we do isn’t something one person can achieve alone; it takes a whole community that cares about transparency and working together to achieve openness. I hope this recognition encourages us at Bath to keep making our animal research clearer and more accessible to everyone.”

Wendy Jarrett, Chief Executive of UAR, said: “We are thrilled to have awarded Professor Sarah Bailey this year. She has been championing openness for a very long time by speaking publicly about her research involving animals at a time when not many academics were doing so.

“Sarah has continued to speak openly about her work, even when this research was the target of a prolonged activism campaign.

“In doing so, Sarah has shown considerable bravery and commitment to openness, the exact qualities that this award celebrates.

“Sarah has also been instrumental in the University of Bath's openness strategy and its continued status as a Leader in Openness.

“Congratulations, Sarah, your personal commitment to openness is an example to the entire biosciences sector.”

The award was presented by Professor Chris Petkov, Chair of UAR Council.