CiBB Vivarium: Excellence and Ethics in Animal Research
The CiBB Vivarium facilities are leading technological platforms providing specialized services in the use of animals for scientific purposes. We ensure the highest standards of quality, animal welfare, and ethical responsibility. Operating in full compliance with Directive 2010/63/EU and Decree-Law No. 113/2013, we support colonies of rodents (Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus), including both wild-type and genetically altered phenotypes.
Our Mission
Animal welfare is our top priority. We foster a "culture of care," where responsibility and technical rigor go hand-in-hand to guarantee the high standards required for excellence in research and education.
Commitment to Welfare and Ethics
At CiBB, animal welfare is a core value. We treat every animal with the utmost respect and compassion through:
- Daily Monitoring & Veterinary Care: Continuous oversight and specialized medical assistance.
- Environmental Enrichment: Programs designed to stimulate the natural behaviors of each species.
- The 3Rs Principle: Rigorous application of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement.
- Culture of Responsibility: Continuous team training and constant ethical supervision by the ORBEA (Animal Welfare Body).
Transparency and Trust
As signatories of the Transparency Agreement on Animal Research in Portugal—an initiative promoted by the European Animal Research Association (EARA) in collaboration with the Portuguese Society for Laboratory Animal Sciences (SPCAL)—we reaffirm our commitment to the responsible use of animals for scientific purposes.
By signing this agreement, we commit to promoting open communication regarding our use of animals and its importance in biomedical advancement, contributing to a more informed society and building public trust in the work developed by research units. The agreement is available here.
Research Support Services
We provide modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment for projects in fields such as Neuroscience, Immunology, Cancer, and Metabolic Diseases. Our expertise includes:
- Breeding and Maintenance: Management of wild-type and genetically altered colonies, embryo production, and specialized technical support.
- Colony Management: Efficient monitoring and oversight.
- Animal Experimentation: Execution of individual techniques (sampling) or full protocols (exploratory testing, PK, DMPK, disease models).
- Behavioral Testing: A comprehensive battery of behavioral tests with dedicated equipment.
- Advanced Surgery: Stereotaxic surgery, device implantation, vascular access ports, and more.
Location and Contacts
Our platform is distributed across three strategic facilities:
UC-Polo I & UC-Biotech | animalhouse@cnc.uc.pt | website
UC-Polo III | bioterio-icbr@fmed.uc.pt | website
