The European Animal Research Association (EARA) and Copenhagen University (KU) invite you to discuss how to improve openness in communications about animal research with the general public, political decision-makers, and opinion formers in Denmark, on 8 November.
This event, sponsored by FENS and SfN, is offered to those working in the life sciences sector and is designed to support researchers, communications staff and institutions that wish to be more open about the animal research they carry out. The focal theme of the workshop is to discuss why scientists, researchers, press officers and other stakeholders can and should talk about animal research.
Openness in the public debate on animal research has been increasing in many European countries and research institutions. However, there is still significant reluctance within many academic institutions, and amongst scientists, towards conducting a more open and consistent dialogue with the public. Many scientists are still afraid that speaking more openly about their research and their motivations will make them targets, while others lack the confidence to put the case for animal research to what they view as a sceptical public and a potentially hostile media.
The discussion is relevant for members of institutions that are involved in animal research - directly or indirectly - and are currently hesitant to speak out in the media or to participate in public engagement activities. We hope that this workshop, and those hosted by EARA in other countries, will help to kickstart a cultural change and support research institutions to handle this issue constructively.
Hear from the leaders in the field of research and communication about the need for greater openness and transparency about animal research in Denmark. A certificate of attendance will be available after the event.
Schedule:
12:00-12:30 - Registration
12:30-14:15 - Presentations (20 min per speaker + 5 min questions) Kirk Leech (EARA executive director) Klas Abelson (principal investigator at KU) Sara Wells (director of the Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell, UK) Thomas Fahrenkrug (chief of communications at KU)
14:15-14:30 - Coffee Break
14:30-15:30 - Panel Discussion
15:30-16:00 - Networking Session
This is an in-person event only.
Register here from 1 October.