Even today, not all scientific questions can be answered with experiments in test tubes or with computer models. For this reason, animal research cannot be fully replaced, and still plays a central role in medical progress and the development of new therapies. In order to communicate the importance of this research transparently and promote an open exchange, Bonn research institutions joined forces to facilitate the exchange of all those who work with laboratory animals. The University of Bonn, together with other research institutions in Bonn, invited everyone who works with laboratory animals to the first network meeting “Naturally transparent” in the Poppelsdorf Auditorium Center. The aim of the event was to create a forum that strengthens the exchange of information on transparency in animal research and networking - in line with the Initiative "Transparente Tierversuche" (Transparent animal testing), of which the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Bonn is a member.
Around 75 participants from science and practice accepted the invitation to the Hörsaalzentrum Poppelsdorf and spent the morning discussing key issues relating to animal research. The opening lecture by Dr. Vera Beckert from Pro-Test Deutschland e.V. kicked off the event and addressed the question of how to successfully communicate transparently about animal experiments.
Participants then had the opportunity to explore specific topics in greater depth in six different world cafés. In addition to workshops on transparency in animal research communication, one topic was the “Culture of Care”, which focused on dealing with emotional stress and promoting an open culture of error - essential to ensure the well-being of all those involved and to continuously improve the quality of research. Another World Café was dedicated to the topic of animal care. Here, animal keepers were able to share their specific experiences and challenges. The exchange between researchers and animal keepers in another workshop promoted mutual understanding between the different professional groups, which ultimately benefits the quality of research and animal welfare.
“All participants had intensive and constructive discussions with each other in the workshops,” says Prof. Andreas Archut, Head of University Communication at the University of Bonn. “And would definitely have wanted to discuss things even longer if time had allowed.” However, a get-together at the end of the workshops gave the participants plenty of opportunity to continue discussing the topics raised in the workshops while enjoying the beautiful sunshine and a small lunch snack.
The network meeting was organized by various institutions of the University of Bonn (Animal Welfare Office, LIMES, Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation2, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences and Engineering) in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behaviour - caesar, the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), the 3R Competence Network NRW and the Museum König Bonn.
With this event, the University of Bonn and the UKB are underlining their commitment to transparent animal testing communication. As members of the Transparent Animal Testing Initiative, both institutions are committed to explaining the necessity and framework conditions of animal testing to the public.
