At a roundtable discussion on the use of animals in scientific research there is overwhelming agreement that Europe has appropriate and detailed legislation regulating the use of animals in scientific research, that adapts to and encourages scientific progress.
Conclusions also show that successful implementation of the Directive is a shared responsibility. The round table identified opportunities to join forces and work together, as the Directive 2010/63/EU cannot be successfully implemented by organisations or individuals working in isolation.
At the meeting in Brussels, representatives from the diverse sectors within the biomedical community (academia, industry, research organisations, medical charities, etc.) and policy-makers discuss the recommendations of the European Commission review report of the Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.
The objective of the roundtable was to inform policy discussion in EU institutions and to identify recommendations for the users’ community on this basis. Topics under discussion were: the implementation of the Directive; improving openness and transparency; ideas for further areas to be tackled.
While the Directive represented progress the meeting agreed that focus is required on ensuring it is implemented in a way that focuses on welfare impacts, avoids duplication or unnecessary processes and shares good practices, in particular on issues where the scientific community can do more to deliver on 3Rs and quality of science.
The meeting was also attended by EARA Executive Director, Kirk Leech, who called on scientiststo play a greater role in openness.
The meeting was chaired by Professor André Parodi, Honorary President of the French National Academy of Medicine and of the French Veterinary Academy.
About the FEAM European Biomedical Policy Forum The FEAM European Biomedical Policy Forum provides a platform for discussion on key policy issues for the biomedical community.
The Forum is an initiative from the Federation of European Academies of Medicine (FEAM). It aims to bring together representatives from academia, research charities, industry, European and national trade associations and professional bodies, regulators, public health bodies, and patient and consumers groups. If you would like further information on the FEAM European Biomedical Policy Forum or becoming a partner, please contact silvia.bottaro@feam.eu