The Institute of Cancer Research, London, has signed a Concordat on Openness on Animal Research, developed with organisations across the biomedical research sector, committing us to be more open about the use of animals in research.
The Concordat sets out how signatory organisations will ensure members of the public have access to accurate information about how animals are used in their research and the role of animal research generally in science and medicine.
As a signatory, the ICR pledges to meet the following commitments:
- We will be clear about when, how and why we use animals in research on our website, in our communication with our own staff, and in response to requests for information
- We will enhance our communications with the media and the public by including information on the use of animals in our research communications such as press releases, and encouraging researchers to publish their methodologies in detail.
- We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research using animals by creating explanatory materials, and providing information at relevant public engagement events.
- We will share our experience through reporting how we have achieved these commitments and what has worked well.
The ICR played an active role in developing the Concordat and strongly welcome its aims to improve communication about animal research.
We already meet many of the Concordat’s requirements in our current communication work, but signing the Concordat demonstrates our commitment, and will help give our animal research an even higher profile when we communicate with the public.
Professor Paul Workman, Deputy Chief Executive of the ICR, has written a blog post about the Concordat, outlining why we are committed to greater transparency about use of animals in research, and explaining why the responsible use of animals is essential.