Transparency and communication: Good Practice in Animal Research Communication

Abstract

The general public shows strong reservations towards animal research. Over the years, science has also critically looked at e.g. reproducibility and translational issues and implemented improvements of which the public is not always aware. In addition, the relation between (some) animal experiments and human health is not always understood by the critical community. Due to aggressive actions towards some research establishments, communication about animal experiments has not always been the obvious answer. On the other hand, examples have shown, that transparency and openness lead to better understanding of the public about the why of animal experiments, but also about the strict regulations under which animal experiments have to be performed. In most cases where an open communication with the general public has become a fundamental policy, some understanding and a dialogue, also with the more extreme NGO’s, replaced aggressiveness towards scientists. This article proposes several activities with respect to communication about animal experiments for public institutes and universities. One of these is that a group of experts should be established, with different backgrounds with respect to animal experiments and communication skills. The establishment of an Animal Experiments Communication Group has shown to be crucial for appropriate communication in different situations. Activities focussed on different communication strategies are discussed. Crucial in all of this is the each establishment has developed a clear policy on animal experiments, which is also shared with the outside world. A well-designed strategy should be the basis for effective communication to different groups under different situations. Furthermore, dedicated webpages providing information on the institute’s policy with regard to animal experiments, as well as specific information on animal experiments (among which annual statistics) will lead to improved openness and transparency.