May 14, 2014

concordat on openness on animal research

The scientific community has spent many years being afraid to talk about animal research for fear of becoming the target of animal rights extremism. Following the continued championing of a few brave exceptions and recognising the need to engage with the public on this vital aspect of scientific work, the community decided something needed to change.

In October 2012 over 40 bioscience organisations declared that they would commit to a Concordat on Openness. Since that date they have been seeking the opinions of the public, the scientific community and journalists as to what steps need to be taken and what others feel openness means.

Key figures in concordat process came to the Science Media Centre to discuss:

• What commitments are being made
• Which organisations are signing up
• What this means for journalists and the public
• Whether this will make a difference

Speakers:

Dr Jeremy Farrar, Director of the Wellcome Trust

Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive, British Heart Foundation

Wendy Jarrett, Chief Executive, Understanding Animal Research

Dr Louise Leong, Director of Research and Development Policy, ABPI 

Prof Nic Wells, Chair of the Society of Biology’s Animal Science Group and Professor in Translational Medicine, Royal Veterinary College

Prof Sir John Savill, Chief Executive, Medical Research Council (MRC)

Geoff Watts, Broadcaster, Chair of Concordat Steering Group