FOI release

FOI2026/00224 - Assessment Panel Membership and Conflicts of Interest for the £25m Translational Models Hub

This request was refused in full, so we didn't provide the information the requester asked for. This may include information where we can neither confirm nor deny that we hold it.

Case reference FOI2026/00224

Received 14 March 2026

Published 15 April 2026

Request

Request received: 14/03/2026

I am writing to request information regarding the assessment and decision-making process for the Pre-clinical Translational Models Hub (MC_PC_2603), which is part of the government’s 2025/2026 "Replacing Animals in Science" funding commitment.

To ensure transparency regarding the "experiential confidence" and potential institutional bias of the assessors, please provide:

The names and host research organisations of all individuals appointed to the Assessment Panel (including the Chair and any "Introducing Members") for the MC_PC_2603 opportunity.

The number of these panel members who currently hold a Home Office Project License (PPL) or act as the Establishment License Holder (PEL) at their respective institutions.

Any Conflict of Interest declarations submitted by these panel members specifically relating to their institution’s reliance on animal-testing infrastructure or "Golden Triangle" collaborative frameworks.

The criteria provided to the panel for weighing the "validation" of human-relevant models (NAMs) against legacy animal-based benchmarks, particularly where the assessors have a career history primarily based on in vivo research.

Confirmation of whether any representatives from the NC3Rs or human-relevant technology biotechs are voting members of this specific panel.

Response

Response sent: 15/04/2026

Full details of this response provided in the attached document.

Documents

This is UK Research and Innovation's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.

You can browse our other responses or make a new FOI request.