The Academy has supported a statement on openness on animal research and will work alongside other organisations including the Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council and the Association of Medical Research Charities to establish a Concordat that will develop principles of openness, practical steps and measurable objectives which will underpin a more transparent approach to animal research.
On the publication of the statement Professor Sir John Tooke, President, Academy of Medical Sciences said, 'We are concerned that the latest MORI poll indicates a drop in public support for the use of animals in medical research. It provides a strong signal to the biomedical community that we must create more opportunities for scientists to engage in dialogue with the public to discuss the role of animals in research. The commitment from so many organisations to improve openness is very welcome and an important first step towards changing the culture of how we communicate when and why animals are used in research.'