Addressing animal methods bias through government-led initiatives

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Scientific Peer Review

Background:

• Peer review is essential for research quality but can be compromised by bias.
• Animal methods bias favors animal-based research and undervalues nonanimal methods.
• This bias impacts funding, publication, and can lead to unnecessary animal use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and discuss animal methods bias in scientific peer review.
• To highlight the barriers animal methods bias poses to the adoption of nonanimal methods.
• To examine recent governmental initiatives aimed at addressing this bias.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and evidence on animal methods bias.
• Analysis of anecdotal data and workshop feedback.
• Examination of recent government initiatives in the US and UK.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests animal methods bias affects funding and publication outcomes.
• This bias can create pressure for animal use, even when nonanimal methods are suitable.
• Government initiatives in 2025 aim to increase funding and training for nonanimal methods and address bias.

Conclusions:

• Animal methods bias is a significant barrier to the advancement of nonanimal methods.
• Global recognition is increasing, but successful implementation of measures is yet to be determined.
• Further strategies are needed to understand and mitigate this bias throughout the research lifecycle.