this lecture will be available on the aaalac international web site at:
TRANSCRIPT
This lecture will be available on the AAALAC International Web site at:
http://www.aaalac.org/resources/available.cfm
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External Influences on Animal Research
The public’s expectations for science are high Public demands for good practices Public and research demands for best practices
Research costs with animals is increasingly a big business investment for science.
Animal rights groups want to stop animal use
Animal-based research requires institutional commitment: That a system of ensuring high quality
research is in place That criticism of animal research is met
with strong “push-back” from the administration; high quality research is defensible
Mechanisms of Animal Research Oversight
Internal Ethical review committees
External Federal regulations and inspections Third party, peer review
National audit; may not have international acceptance AAALAC International is the only global accrediting
program
But the oversight mechanism should satisfy both national and international stakeholders.
“Animal science is about new discovery and knowledge, but it is also about the international adoption and transfer of that knowledge to all aspects of human and animal life…”
John P. HearnChair, Committee on International ActivitiesILAR (1995)
Harmonizing Procedures and Practices…
Optimizes the quality of science; Addresses the need for similar standards to
govern the care and use of animals in international research protocols, thereby bringing a degree of equivalency to the data or information generated;
Harmonizing Procedures and Practices…
Facilitates the movement and exchange of research animals and animal products;
Addresses the need for efficiency in costs of research
AAALAC International MissionAAALAC International is a voluntary accrediting organization that enhances the quality of research, teaching, and testing by promoting humane, responsible animal care and use. It provides advice and independent assessments to participating institutions and accredits those that meet or exceed applicable standards.
AAALAC International Accreditation Program
The concept of a truly international accreditation program, one that is science-based and sensitive to cultural and legal differences, is logical and consistent within the framework of the international scientific community.
AAALAC has a Long History of Accrediting Internationally First non-U.S. site accredited by AAALAC in 1981
(Canada) First European site accredited by AAALAC in
1986 (England) First Pacific Rim site accredited by AAALAC in
1995 (Philippines) Institutions now accredited in 28
countries/territories around the world
The International “Face” of AAALAC
International ad hoc Consultants International Council on Accreditation International Board of Trustees Globally regional offices
Hawaii - Pacific Rim Office Belgium - European Office
Countries/ Regions with Accredited Units
Austria Belgium Canada China Denmark Egypt England France Germany Hungary India Indonesia Italy Japan Korea
Netherlands Norway Peru Philippines Russia Scotland South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand USA
Why is There Such International Interest in AAALAC? Global nature of science
international meetings International peer-reviewed journals
Scientific imperative for reproducibility of results statistical validity of data
Animal care = scientific variable Can be controlled to a large extent through use of
an international standard Public accountability
Accreditation Promotes Quality Assurance and Provides Research Defense A defensible standard - science Flexibility of performance standards Sensitivity to legal, cultural issues Cross fertilization through site visits Highlighting of best practices International benchmarking of quality
International Quality Assurance and Defense of…
High animal welfare standards
Appropriate animal care and use practices
Quality Assurance-The proof is in the practice
Different national standards may result in inconsistent animal care and thus variable data
Collaborators and contractors need assurances of quality and consistency
Science and animals benefit
Accreditation internationally Each country’s own national requirements as
baseline No national requirements→Guide provisions
applied AAALAC Reference Resources as applicable Expert, professional judgment Peer review process
*ALL PRINCIPLES OF GUIDE MUST BE MET
The Accreditation Program
Application of Basic Principles A performance approach Professional judgment The 3 Rs
A Performance Approach"Performance standards define an outcome in detail and provide criteria for assessing that outcome, but do not limit the methods by which to achieve that outcome."
Professional Judgment…
The judgment of the profession, not simply the judgment of an individual professional.
The Three Rs: A Symbol of Animal Welfare
Reduction Replacement Refinement
Consequences of a flawed system
Public trust in research is diminished Frustration in the research enterprise Animal protections questioned, which can lead
to restrictions on research
What Are The Risks?
Public relations problems Increased regulatory burden with no benefit to
science or the animals Increased cost/loss of innovation Erosion of public and community trust
Emerging Issues and Future Concerns - The Challenges
U.S. GlobalRising Costs of Research
Defining the Gaps in the Scientific Literature Regarding Animal Welfare Standards
Social and Political Pressures
Defining the Optimal Animal Welfare and Scientific Standards
Application of Sound Professional Judgment
Creating a Vibrant, Dynamic System That is Persuasive for Flexibility, Accountability and Responsibility
The Globalization of Animal Research and the Need to Protect It
The scientific principles of reproducibility and statistical validity of results will move researchers and their institutions inevitably toward consistency in animal care and use practices.
How AAALAC International Accreditation Benefits Science
Elimination/minimization of variables Reproducibility of experimental results Statistical significance of experimental data Comparability of studies
How AAALAC International Accreditation Benefits Animals Fresh, unbiased perspective separate from the
lines of authority at the institution Reviewers who can benchmark the program
against peer institutions The animals are the focus of the evaluation
How AAALAC International Accreditation Benefits the People
Ensuring a high level of occupational health and safety
Encourages institutional team work; this involves all stakeholders
Pride in the workplace
AAALAC InternationalPacific Rim Office
68-3549 Makana Aloha PlaceWaikoloa, HI 96738
808.883.2186 phone808.883.1155 fax
Where science and responsible animal care connect.
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