Research with animal models has played an essential role in the progress of our scientific, medical and veterinary knowledge. The regulated use of animal models in scientific research continues to play a fundamental role in broadening our knowledge about the mechanisms that regulate our health or disease development.
A large part of our society understands that animal models constitute a fundamental part of the biomedicine research strategy. However, there are also people who oppose this type of research or are not sure to support it. This is usually due to lack of knowledge or lack of proven information.
The Confederation of Scientific Organizations and Societies of Spain (COSCE), in collaboration with EARA, has developed an initiative to improve the information available to citizens about the use of animals in scientific research.
The initiative is a Transparency Agreement on the use of animals in scientific experimentation in Spain that provides four principles to help research centers improve the information provided to the public. This agreement seeks to continue the efforts initiated by COSCE in 2015 with the publication of the document on the use of animals in scientific research.
The Society's support for research requires that the scientific community adopt an open approach and take an active part in the current discussion about why and how animals are used in research and the benefits obtained through these practices.
Click here to see all the organizations adhering to this agreement.
Principles of the Transparency Agreement on the use of animals in scientific experimentation in Spain
This agreement provides signatory organizations with the opportunity to share and foster good practices in transparent communication of animal research to provide the public with more information on the reasons, methods and progress that result from the use of animals in scientific research.
The signatories of the Agreement commit to the following principles:
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Speak clearly about when, how and why animals are used in research.
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Provide adequate information to the media and the general public about the conditions under which the research is required that requires the use of animal models and the results obtained from it.
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Develop initiatives that generate greater knowledge and understanding in society about the use of animals in scientific research.
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Report annually on progress and share experiences .
The signatories of this document undertake to follow these four principles and promote appropriate strategies for their organization to promote greater transparency about the use of animals in research. The signatories also undertake to provide information annually on the activities carried out for this purpose.
Here you can consult the statements about the use of animals in research of the centers adhered to this agreement.
How to adhere to the transparency agreement on the use of animals in scientific experimentation in Spain
If your research center wishes to support this initiative and sign the agreement, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact
Emma Martínez, PhD, Delegate of Communication and Scientific Policy
EARA: btolliday@eara.eu / +44 (0) 20 3675 1238