Unveiling of the Transparency Pact for Experimental Animal Studies

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and the information platform "Understanding Animal Research" have launched a new initiative called the "Transparency Agreement for Transparent Information and Open Communication about Animal Research in Germany." This initiative, supported by 53 research institutions, aims to encourage more organizations to provide transparent information about animal research.

Animal experiments play a crucial role in the spectrum of experimental methods in biomedical research. They are essential for gaining fundamental knowledge and allowing for medically relevant development. However, recent methodological research enables the replacement or reduction of animal experiments in certain experimental approaches. Yet, it is not foreseeable that animal experiments can be replaced entirely, and they will be necessary in the future.

The Transparency Agreement is one step towards increasing transparency and openness in this field. The initiative includes research facilities from the life sciences that undertake to transparently inform about animal experiments, engage in dialogue, exchange experiences, and publicize activities. Among the 53 initial signatories are universities, hospitals, non-university research institutions, corporations that conduct research, scholarly societies, and funding organizations.

More information about the DFG's Permanent Senate Commission on Animal Protection and Experimentation can be found at http://www.dfg.de/sktf. The Understanding Animal Research platform, coordinated by the Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany, is also involved in this initiative. For further queries, Dr. Valeska Stephan, an expert at the secretariat of the DFG's Permanent Senate Commission on Animal Protection and Experimentation, can be reached at +49 381 494-2565, [email protected]. Dr. Andreas Görlich, a programme contact at the DFG Head Office, can be contacted at +49 228 885-2566, [email protected].

The 53 research institutions that had joined the initiative by July 1, 2021, are those listed as participants in this German initiative promoting openness regarding animal experiments. However, the specific names of these institutions were not provided in the search results.

This initiative follows similar activities in other European countries such as Britain, France, and Spain. On the "Be Open about Animal Research Day," an event organized by the European Animal Research Association (EARA), the Transparency Agreement was launched. Further information about "Be Open about Animal Research Day" can be found at https://www.eara.eu/post/celebrate-openness-in-animal-research-with-us-on-thursday.

The Understanding Animal Research website is available at http://www.tierversuche-verstehen.de. For press and public relations enquiries, please contact the DFG Press and Public Relations at +49 228 885-2109, [email protected]. The initiative provides examples of successful communication about animal research and information to support signatories in realizing their goals on the website.

This new Transparency Agreement is a significant step towards increasing transparency and openness in the field of animal research, fostering dialogue and exchange of experiences among research institutions. By promoting openness, the initiative aims to build trust and understanding among the public about the importance and necessity of animal experiments in biomedical research.