The FRAME Reduction Steering Committee: reflections on a decade devoted to reducing animal use in biomedical science

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Animal Welfare
• Research Ethics

Background:

• The FRAME Reduction Committee (FRC), established in 1998 and now the FRAME Reduction Steering Committee (FRSC), aims to reduce animal use in scientific research.
• The FRSC leverages expertise in statistics, experimental design, animal welfare, and alternatives research to promote reduction strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the achievements of the FRSC in reducing animal use in biomedical science.
• To highlight the importance of training scientists in the principles and practices of reduction.
• To propose future activities for the FRSC in light of increasing animal procedure numbers.

Main Methods:

• Review of FRSC activities and achievements.
• Description of workshops and training schools organized by the FRSC.
• Analysis of trends in scientific procedures on animals.

Main Results:

• The FRSC has successfully raised awareness regarding the need for and methods of reducing animal use.
• Dedicated training initiatives have been implemented to educate scientists on reduction concepts.
• Despite efforts, there are ongoing year-on-year increases in the number of scientific procedures involving animals.

Conclusions:

• The FRSC has made significant contributions to the reduction of animal use in science.
• Continued training and strategic planning are essential for future reduction efforts.
• Addressing the rise in animal procedures requires sustained and enhanced initiatives from the FRSC.