The European Animal Research Association (EARA) is pleased to announce its new collaborative partnership with the Australian and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Association (ANZLAA).
Under our memorandum of understanding (MoU) EARA will provide support and guidance to ANZLAA and its members on communication issues, including advice on meeting the requirements of the proposed transparency agreement on animal research currently being overseen by the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART), with which EARA also has an MoU.
EARA will also provide ANZLAA with updates on regulatory and policy discussions in the EU and UK that may eventually be adopted in their region.
The membership of ANZLAA covers the full spectrum of professional expertise relating to the care and welfare of animals used in research in Australia and New Zealand. This includes the provision of daily animal care, technical skill, veterinary support, ethics, regulatory management, training and the supply of equipment and services.
ANZLAA aim is to promote communication, informed discussion and continuing education among its members as well as the broader community in pursuit of improved animal welfare.
EARA executive director, Kirk Leech, said: “This agreement allows EARA to advise ANZLAA on how to develop more proactive communications on the use of animals in research. It will also help increase the momentum of the passage of the proposed transparency agreement for Australia and New Zealand, which will also be of benefit to the wider biomedical community across the world.”
An ANZLAA spokesperson said: “Our association is looking forward to working alongside EARA and utilising its expertise in advocacy and communications to develop greater openness and transparency about the use of animals in research by the biomedical sector in our region.” See EARA's global partnerships here.
For further information please contact Bob Tolliday, EARA Communications Manager btolliday@eara.eu.
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Notes to editors
About EARA The European Animal Research Association (EARA) is an organisation that communicates and advocates on biomedical research using animals and provides accurate, evidence-based information. It has close to 100 member organisations, including private and public research bodies, universities, regional and national biomedical associations and suppliers, in 20 European countries.
EARA’s vision is to enhance the understanding and recognition of research involving animals across Europe, allowing for a more constructive dialogue with all stakeholders and a more efficient climate for research in Europe.
The benefits of animal research Most of the medicines we have at some point involved research using animals. Animals are essential in research on Covid-19 for understanding the virus, and for assessing potential drugs and vaccines. They will help millions with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord damage and parasitic infections like malaria. There are three main reasons why animals are used in research:
• To advance scientific understanding
• To develop solutions to medical problems • To test medicines and vaccines in order to protect the safety of people, animals and the environment.
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