Leaders in Openness in Animal Research are organisations who commit considerable resource and energy to following best practice, embedding openness within their organisations and making the aims of the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research a reality.
The RVC has been recognised as a leading organisation alongside 12 other organisations, following a three-stage assessment: a public panel, peer review and public review.
Professor Jonathan Elliott, Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation, said:
“The Royal Veterinary College are delighted to receive this award recognising our commitment to openness in the ways animals are used in research. RVC shares society’s desire to minimise the use of animal experimentation and increase the use of scientifically validated alternatives. Nevertheless, animal experimentation remains a necessary part of the scientific discovery process and development of new medicines for veterinary practice. Transparency around animal experimentation is vital to ensure public trust in and we are committed to improving the health and welfare of animals worldwide. As the world’s number one veterinary school we are proud to be leaders in openness on animal research.”
In October 2012, over 40 organisations from the life science community in the UK, including the Royal Veterinary College, signed a Declaration on Openness on Animal Research. They committed to developing a Concordat setting out how they would be more open about the ways in which animals are used in scientific, medical and veterinary research in the UK. In May 2014 the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK in the UK was launched with 72 signatories from all sectors of the life sciences community. There are now 121 organisations signed up to the Concordat. The Concordat commits its signatories to enhance their communication about their use of animals. Specifically signatories make the following commitments:
Commitment 1: We will be clear about when, how and why we use animals in research
Commitment 2: We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our research using animals
Commitment 3: We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research using animals
Commitment 4: We will report on progress annually and share our experiences
