Course in ethics for those working with laboratory animals

Everyone working with laboratory animals in universities or corporations in Sweden must attend an educational programme on laboratory animals. An important aspect of this education is to discuss if and why humans have the right to use animals in research.

The educational programme in ethics includes a theoretical component and a practical component. Normally an expert in ethics, e.g. a philosopher or priest, presents the theoretical component. Lecturers provide historical background information and present different ways to view the rights of animals and humans.

Theory and practice

The theoretical component is usually followed by a discussion, where participants are asked to take a position on various ethical issues. Many universities use an ethics game as a tool for generating discussion. This is a simple board game where participants are asked different ethical questions. The participants’ viewpoints play a lesser role – the score depends on the number of relevant arguments raised.

Examples of questions:

Is it ethically acceptable to produce animals with a particular disease in order to cure this disease in humans?
Should animal research be prohibited for all hygiene products?
Must a new substance be tested in animals before it is tested in humans?

The programme also addresses the conditions under which research on animals should be permitted. Here the 3R principle is central. The 3R principle refers to replacement, refinement, and reduction and is an important starting point for anyone conducting animal research.

Replacement – Is it possible to acquire the same knowledge in some other way, without animals, or is it necessary to use animal experiments?
Refinement – Animals used in research should be exposed to the least possible suffering.
Reduction – Research should involve as few animals as possible.

Researchers, animal handlers, and laboratory technicians all attend the same educational programme in ethics. The goal is for everyone to complete the programme before they begin working with animals. However, under supervision it is permissible to work with laboratory animals for up to 2 years without completing the programme.

The primary investigator is responsible to ensure that everyone in the project has the appropriate education.

Those serving on Ethical Committees on Animal Experiments are also offered education on laboratory animals that includes a strong ethics component. Although attendance is voluntary, most committee members complete the programme.

Text: Karl-Johan Börjesson

Published: 2009-04-15

Last updated: 2009-04-15

Responsible for content: Mats Ulfendahl, Secretary General of Medicine and health, Swedish Research Council.
Editor: Peter Tillhammar, Swedish Research Council. Contact: Send email to the editorial staff.