Otago University's new $50 million animal research support facility will be replacing older ones and will actually reduce the number of animals used in testing processes.

The facility has been heavily criticised by animal rights organisations.

Thousands of people have signed a petition against the new animal lab and organisations such as the Anti-Vivisection Society, SPCA and SAFE have also spoken out against it.

Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Enterprise at Otago University Richard Blaikie said he fully understands the strong positions organisations have taken but says the lab will meet the standards set out by the Animal Welfare Act.

He said the new technology will mean fewer animals will be used.

"We're integrating something called a two-photon microscope, that will be held there, for people looking at stroke, epilepsy and things like that. They'll be able to do that work using far fewer animals with this integrated research support facility."

Professor Blaikie said the new lab allows the university to update its current facilities.

"To keep the standards of animal care and welfare up to the highest possible world class conditions."