Start date: 20241114
End date: 20241114
Location: University of Parma
The European Animal Research Association (EARA) and University of Parma invite you to discuss how to improve openness in communications about animal research with the general public, political decision-makers, and opinion formers in Italy.
This workshop is offered to those working in the life sciences sector and is designed to support researchers, animal welfare bodies, research support and communications staff and institutions that wish to be more open about the animal research they carry out. The focal theme of the workshop is to discuss why researchers, animal welfare and communications officers and veterinarians can and should talk about animal research while also considering and discussing alternatives.
While public debate on the phase-out of all animal research has been on the rise in various European countries and research institutions, there is still significant reluctance within many academic institutions, and amongst scientists, towards conducting a more open and consistent dialogue with the public. Many scientists are still afraid that speaking more openly about their research and their motivations will make them targets, while others lack the confidence to put the case for animal research to what they view as a sceptical public and a potentially hostile media.
The discussion is relevant for members of institutions that are involved in animal research – directly or indirectly – and are currently hesitant to speak out in the media or to participate in public engagement activities. We hope that this workshop, and those hosted by EARA in other countries, will help to kickstart a cultural change and support research institutions to handle this issue constructively.
