This session will deal with a range of issues relating to the use of animals in biomedical research. The legal framework controlling use of laboratory animals in the UK and the rest of Europe will be outlined, together with the particular problems that arise when transgenic animals are used. Some of the ethical positions concerning use of animals will be described, and participants will be encouraged to discuss their own views on animal experimentation. Use of animals in research will also be placed in the overall context of our use of animals for other purposes. The attitude of the general public to experiments on live animals will be explored, with the aim of encouraging better communication by participants of the nature and purpose of their own research work.