Responsibility and Laboratory Animal Research Governance

Area of Science:

• Animal research ethics
• Science governance
• Responsible innovation

Background:

• The use of animals in scientific research is a contentious issue.
• Laboratory animal research governance frameworks, centered on the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement), face criticism for their narrow focus.
• Critiques suggest current governance overlooks broader societal concerns and political questions regarding the purpose of animal research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) agenda can enhance the concept of responsibility in animal research governance.
• To examine how RRI principles can augment the existing 3Rs framework.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis integrating the RRI agenda with the 3Rs principles in laboratory animal research governance.
• Examination of critiques of current 3Rs application.
• Exploration of how RRI's broader scope can address these critiques.

Main Results:

• Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) offers a valuable framework to augment the 3Rs principles.
• RRI promotes the inclusion of diverse experts and the public in animal research governance.
• RRI encourages scientists to consider societal responsibilities beyond their specific roles and acknowledge political dimensions of animal research.

Conclusions:

• The integration of RRI principles can significantly enhance the governance of animal research.
• RRI provides a more comprehensive approach to responsibility in animal research by broadening participation and considering societal implications.
• Adopting RRI can lead to more legitimate and responsive oversight of laboratory animal use.