A groundbreaking debate on animal research at The University of Manchester has received a prestigious openness award.
The first Whitworth debate in November 2023, called Culture of care or culture of concern - let's debate animal research, received the accolade on Monday at a ceremony at the Crick Institute in London.
Wendy Jarrett CEO of Understanding Animal Research (UAR), Penny Hawkins Head of the Animals in Science Department, RSPCA Science and Policy Group and Celean Camp CEO of the Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments (FRAME) took questions from students and staff at the event.
The event kicked off with Dr Maria Kamper, Director of the University's Biological Services Facility signing a public pledge to uphold a culture of care within the unit.
The University, a winner of two other openness awards over the past 7 years, is a signatory of the Concordat on openness on animal research, a set of commitments to enhance animal research communications.
It has been recognised internationally as a leading exponent of openness in animal research.
The judges, who included senior figures from science, academia and the RSPCA, praised the event as a space for people to come together to ask questions and hear issues around animal testing.
They particularly recognised the efforts that would have been needed to obtain the necessary internal support for holding such an event.
"We hope its success inspires other signatories [of the Concordat] to hold similar events, with a continuing broadening of the perspectives represented on the stage, and of those attending," they added.
Dr Kamper said: "We are so proud to be recognised as a leading exponent in openness by our distinguished peers.
"There is absolutely no doubt that openness reaps huge rewards for science, scientists- and ultimately the public who are the beneficiaries of new medical treatments and procedures.
"And shining a light on animal research, also ensures that the highest standards of care and welfare are adhered to by those who work in the sector."
The debate was chaired by communications lead for animal research Mike Addelman, from the Directorate of communications, marketing and student recruitment.
He said: "This event was conducted in the best possible way. Though our panellists covered many of the hotly debated areas in animal research, they were constructive in what they had to say, and engaged a lively and appreciative audience.
"It was clear that audience members went home feeling as though they had learned something - and that they understood where people with differing views were coming from."
- Image from left to right: Mike Addelman, animla research comms lead University of Manchester, Val Summers, Regulatory Affairs Manager at Envigo who presented the award, Dr Jo Stanley, Named Training and Competency Officer and 3Rs manager at The Biological Services Facility, University of Manchester
