Navigating Transparency in Animal Research: Friday Forum Explores Openness, Trust and Public Engagement

Imperial’s second Friday Forum of the year, held as part of the College’s Good Science Project, examined how to balance openness about animal research with the need to protect people, facilities and scientific integrity.

Advances in technology and a growing sector-wide commitment to transparency have led many institutions to open their doors, physically and virtually, to show how and why animal research is conducted. Yet this increased openness continues to raise important questions about privacy, public understanding and the responsibilities of research organisations. 

Chaired by Dr Anna Napolitano, Imperial’s Communications and 3Rs Programme Manager, the panel featured Miss Teresa Boreham, Animal Facility Manager at Imperial; Dr Julia Harrington, Director of Global Animal Research Assurance at AstraZeneca; and Mrs Laura Gallagher, Head of News and Media (Research) at Imperial. Together, they reflected on how approaches to public engagement have evolved and what further steps might help strengthen trust in the future. 

Why understanding matters  

Panellists described significant cultural change over the past two decades. What was once a subject rarely discussed outside specialist circles is now addressed through a range of communications and public engagement activities, including public tours of animal facilities, online videos and social media campaigns. These initiatives, the panel noted, have helped demystify animal research and increase understanding of the high standards of care within modern facilities. 

Organisations including Imperial and AstraZeneca have signed up to the Concordat on Openness in Animal Research, which is a voluntary agreement to support UK life science organizations increasing public transparency about their use of animals in research. The aim is to foster a culture of openness, allowing the public to have a more informed view of this area of research. 

Audience members also raised questions about the role of institutions in fostering informed public dialogue and how transparency might influence the policy landscape. Dr Bryn Owen, Senior Lecturer in Endocrinology at Imperial and Chair of the College’s 3Rs Hub, emphasised the importance of helping the public understand the scientific value of animal models to ensure broad public support for animal research, which continues to be necessary for medical progress. 

Looking ahead 

The discussion underscored that addressing concerns around animal research requires consistent, thoughtful communication and a willingness to engage respectfully with people who hold differing views. Participants agreed that transparency is not a single action but an ongoing commitment that must evolve alongside societal expectations and scientific practice. 

“As the Good Science Project continues to encourage reflection on research culture at Imperial, forums like this play a vital role in building understanding and supporting ethically responsible science. More Friday Forum are planned for the rest of the academic year, with details available on The Good Science Project website,” says Dr Stephen Webster, director of The Good Science Project.