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Responsible animal-based research: three flags to consider
1Independent Studies, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. adagg@vortex.uwaterloo.ca
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science : JAAWS
|December 21, 2005
Summary
This study identifies questionable nonhuman animal research by flagging experiments with low citations, high animal use, and invasive procedures. This helps focus efforts on reducing animal suffering and wasted funds.
Area of Science:
- Animal research ethics
- Scientific methodology evaluation
Background:
- Nonhuman animal research is extensive, raising ethical concerns.
- Reducing animal use and improving research impact are critical goals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a flagging system for identifying questionable animal-based research.
- To pinpoint journals, institutions, and funding sources with high numbers of flagged experiments.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a sample of research articles.
- Identification of experiments with three key characteristics: low citation rates, high animal numbers, and invasive procedures.
- Assessment of author affiliations, journals, and funding sources.
Main Results:
- Specific journals, Canadian universities, and funding bodies were identified as having a high number of flagged experiments.
- The flagging system effectively highlights research with questionable impact and ethical concerns.
Conclusions:
- Targeted interventions can reduce animal suffering and financial waste in research.
- Focusing on high-impact entities can optimize efforts to improve animal research practices.