“So everything that we do evolves, and I think how we work will continue to evolve. I think that that’s always gonna be our goal. “ Mr. Robert Floyd, Director of Central Biomedical Services at Imperial
Our 2024/2025 series of Friday Forums is now finished, and so this is a good moment to look back at the themes and discussions of the year. The series of Friday Forum lectures kicked off on the 25th of October, discussing the past, present, and future of animal research here at Imperial. Animal use in research is a contentious topic. On one hand, the animal model allows for rigorous biomedical research, paving the way for life-saving medicine and treatments for humans. On the other hand, ethical concerns are raised about the treatment of the animals and their potential suffering. It was a lively meeting with great discussion. Fortunately three students from the MSc Science Communication and the MSc Science Media Production were on hand to take notes, think hard, and write this blog. Many thanks then to Suah Lee, Ajwang Okeyo and Lizzie Childers.
As a part of Imperial’s ongoing Good Science Project, the aim of the forum was to initiate a discussion about the future of animal research, and the 3Rs. The 3Rs are a framework for the future of the animal model: replacement, reduction, and refinement. That is, to replace the use of animals when possible, to reduce the number of animals used for science while remaining scientifically robust, and to refine how animals are treated to minimise their suffering.
The discussion, facilitated by Dr Anna Napolitano, Communications and 3Rs Programme Manager, and Dr. Bryn Owen, a Senior Lecturer in Endocrinology at Imperial and chairperson of the 3Rs advisory group, enabled the audience to ask questions to a panel of experts. The panel included Mr. Robert Floyd, Director of Biomedical Services at Imperial, Mr. John Meredith, Head of Education and Outreach at the nonprofit Understanding Animal Research, Dr. Victoria Male, a Senior Lecturer in Reproductive Immunology at Imperial, and Dr. Richard van Arkel, a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial and the recipient of a NC3R fellowship.
Early on in the discussion, we learned that in the panellists’ opinion the general public’s perception of animal research has changed over time. It feels as if public perception of the animal model in research has improved in recent years. John Meredith emphasised his belief that more empirical research needs to be done on the public’s current view of the animal model, as the science needs a “…renewed mandate from the public.” Despite significant public support for animal research, less funding has been available to animal researchers. One explanation for this could be that policymakers may hold misguided and over-ambitious views about alternative methods, Another explanation, given by Victoria Male, is that it is easier to find cheaper, and just as effective alternatives to the animal model – for example genomics research. Rob Floyd added that “Funding is dependent, to a degree, on the economic climate of a country”, suggesting that the UK’s current economic state is also impacting the lack of funding for animal research.
“The other thing that moved me away [from the animal model] was actually funding because I did, at the time, come across a strain of mice that I was really excited about that had a very interesting phenotype and that I thought could have been an amazing tool for finding out something quite fundamental about how a particular kind of cell develops. I tried three or four times to get some money to keep following that up, and I just wasn’t able to.” Victoria Male
Despite the better public perception of animal research, it is still clear that many people do not fully understand the importance and necessity of the work. Gaps in public knowledge regarding the importance and necessity of using animal models remain. The panel had different ideas as to why this issue had arisen. Richard van Arkel explained that the use of animals may feel excessive, but researchers are often required by law, through regulations, to use a certain number of animals or trials to verify the safety of certain medicines, treatments, or chemicals. He also stated that a lack of transparency can lead the public to feel confused, but that this lack of clarity can be useful for protecting the intellectual property of companies and researchers. Dr. van Arkel argued that many people are grateful for the research that leads to medical advancements, but said a lack of clarity can hinder understanding. John Meredith pointed out that activists are also becoming more focused on their demands, and suggested that addressing their specific concerns, rather than simply dismissing them, could encourage better communication and understanding with the public. Together, these insights suggest that enhancing transparency and providing detailed information about the regulatory landscape and the role of animal testing in research could can help build public trust.
Panel participants and audience members discussed the importance of engaging with the public. When asked about how to get involved with creating public policy, the panellists emphasised that they wanted to work with MPs and secretaries, but noted that connecting with these officials can be quite challenging. Various other ideas about how to engage the public floated around, especially younger people who may not yet have encountered arguments for the animal model. An audience member suggested the concept of animal research should be introduced to A-level students, while John Meredith suggested that these students could also take class trips to animal laboratories. Bryn Owen brought up Imperial’s 3R Blackboard course, which aims to educate students and researchers about the ethics involved in animal research. While the course is available for anyone to take and learn, Imperial is starting to incorporate it into undergraduate education, especially for medical students.
“There are legitimate alternative views on this subject, which we reject, but are still legitimate nonetheless.” – John Meredith, Head of Education and Outreach, Understanding Animal Research
Another concern that the discussion tackled was the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (RSPCA) ambitious goal to end all “severe” animal testing by 2030, reflecting its commitment of promoting animal welfare and preventing cruelty. The panel suggested that this objective may be unrealistic, as severe testing protocols often yield significant benefits for human health that can outweigh the ethical concerns associated with animal suffering. Meanwhile, John Meredith pointed out that the general public remains unaware of the fine distinctions of animal suffering categorisation in testing. After this the discussion centred on public perception and funding, particularly regarding licensing and the number of suffering categories, posing questions for the viability of the RSPCA’s goal and its potential impact on ongoing research and medical advancements.
This Friday’s Forum discussion made clear that addressing the concerns surrounding animal testing requires targeted communication that engages the public, especially those who are passionate towards animal welfare. It is crucial to emphasise that all animals hold inherent value, even as the truth remains that people often display more empathy towards cute and cuddly species. This perception can overshadow the fact that all animals, regardless of their appearance, deserve consideration and protection. Promoting positive media coverage and highlighting the importance of all species can achieve a more favourable impression of the current issues. As awareness and concerns about animal testing continue to rise, it is essential to enhance communication and education to illuminate the complexities surrounding this important issue. Through these efforts, we can encourage a more informed dialogue to balance ethical considerations with scientific progress.
For more information on Imperial’s commitment to the 3Rs, please visit the 3R hub here. From this website, you can access a blackboard course that teaches the importance of the 3Rs, free for all Imperial staff and students to use. For further questions and potential visits to the animal labs at Imperial, please contact Dr. Anna Napolitano at a.napolitano@imperial.ac.uk. For information regarding the Good Science Project and future Friday Forum discussions, please visit the Good Science Project’s website here.