SCIENCE ADVICE FOR POLICY
BY EUROPEAN ACADEMIES

FEAM publishes summary report of round table discussion on use of animals in scientific research

The round table took place on 28 March 2018. Its objective was to discuss the recommendations of the European Commission review report of the Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes to inform policy discussion in EU institutions and to identify recommendations for the users’ community on this basis.

The event brought together representatives from the diverse sectors within the biomedical community (academia, industry, research organisations, medical charities, etc.) and policy makers.

The meeting highlighted that there is overwhelming agreement that Europe has appropriate and detailed legislation regulating the use of animals in scientific research, that adapts to and encourages scientific progress. However, focus is required on ensuring that the Directive 2010/63/EU is implemented in a way that focuses on welfare impacts and avoids duplicative or unnecessary processes and on sharing of good practices, in particular on issues where the scientific community can do more to deliver on 3Rs and quality of science.

Conclusions also show that successful implementation of the Directive is a shared responsibility. The round table identified opportunities to join forces and work together, as the Directive 2010/63/EU cannot be successfully implemented by organisations or individuals working in isolation.

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