Improving Openness and Animal Research in Germany – Free event, Monday, 22 October, FENS/EARA
The list of speakers for the free satellite event on communication on animal research has now been confirmed.
The event will discuss improving openness on animal research in communications with the general public, political decision makers and opinion formers in Germany. To attend please register here
EVENT DETAILS German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Otfried-Müller-Straße 23 72076 Tübingen Germany
Kirk Leech, Executive Director, European Animal Research Association Kirk is Executive Director of EARA, th communications and advocacy organisation whose mission is to uphold the interests of biomedical research and healthcare development across Europe. Previously Kirk worked for the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry and Understanding Animal Research, the UK’s leading advocacy group on the use of animals in medical research.
Nancy Erickson, DVM, Animal Welfare Officer and Research Assistant, Freie Universität Berlin, and Member of Pro-Test Germany Nancy studied Veterinary Medicine at the Freie Universität Berlin where she also obtained her Veterinary Pathologist degree and completed her Ph.D. thesis. As a Veterinarian, Animal Welfare Officer, and Researcher, she has been involved in several aspects of animal research. In her free time, she serves as member of Pro-Test Germany.
Dr. Andreas Lengeling, Animal Research & Welfare Officer, Max-Planck-Society Andreas, studied Biology at the University of Bielefeld and is the new animal research and animal welfare officer of the Max-Planck Society. He is responsible for the implementation of the society’s recent white paper on animal research. His role involves the support of 30 Max-Planck Institutes in all aspects of animal experimentation, which carry out life sciences in the society.
Volker Stollorz, Science Media Center, Germany Volker studied biology and philosophy at the University of Cologne and in 2015, became the founding CEO of the Science Media Center, a non-for profit organization that helps journalists find scientific expertise when science hits the headlines.
Moderator:
Wendy Jarrett, Executive Director, Understanding Animal Research Wendy has focused her career on science and health communication over the last three decades. Her work includes extensive campaigns across Europe on the need for animals in the research process, as well awareness programs educating people about disease risk factors and intervention opportunities. Wendy sits on the Board of the European Animal Research Association (EARA) and is a member of the UK’s Animals in Science Committee. Since November 2012 she has led the development of the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK.
Background There is now greater openness in the public debate over animal research in many European countries and institutions. Progress has also been made in Germany by the research community to engage with the public on the issue of animal research, for example in the creation of Tierversuche-Verstehen, and the publication of the White Paper from the Max Planck Society on its animal research.
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 will make them targets, while others lack the confidence to put the case for animal research to what they view as a potentially hostile media and sceptical public.
This workshop, designed for members of the biomedical sector, is to help researchers and institutions that wish to be more open about the animal research they carry out. The event will have a clear focus: why scientists, researchers, press officers and other stakeholders can and should talk about animal research.
This is not going to be a debate about the ethics of animal experimentation. This discussion is for members of institutions that are either directly, or indirectly, involved in animal research and are currently hesitant to speak out in the media or to participate in public engagement activities. We hope that this and similar regional workshops will help kick-start a cultural change within Germany on this issue