Third-party review of animal research at Lawson Research Institute, St. Joseph’s Health Care London

Message for the community

In August 2025, members of our community raised concerns about our animal research program at Lawson Research Institute (Lawson). While we were confident we followed all regulations and ethical standards, we commissioned an independent third-party review of animal research at Lawson and indicated we would make the results of that review public.

What the third-party review found:

  • Lawson met all regulatory, ethical and professional standards in animal research.
  • There was no evidence of intentional secrecy, concealment or avoidance of oversight. The research is reported in peer-reviewed publications, grant disclosures and academic presentations - all available to the public.
  • No other animal or non-animal model could have been used to achieve the translational outcomes the researchers were trying to achieve.

What areas of improvement did they identify?

Recommendations include improved communication between St. Joseph’s, Lawson, Western University and Western’s Animal Care Committee, with clear accountabilities for decision making, to ensure all parties are aware of their unique roles and responsibilities, to update shared agreements and policies, including transparency plans and enhance the process for reporting of concerns.

What other reviews were completed?

The majority of the key findings of these reports align with those of the third-party panel.

What’s next?

We are developing an action plan to address all recommendations and are working with our partners on next steps.  

Animal research remains an important part of medical discovery. The life-saving imaging approaches developed at Lawson are now standard of care worldwide for people suffering from heart disease and heart attacks. We are immensely proud of the work our researchers conduct every day to save and improve lives.

Thank you,

Roy Butler, PhD
President and CEO
 

Jeremy Burton, PhD
Interim Vice-President
Research and Scientific Director Lawson Research Institute

Back to all News