Use of animals in research and education (July 1996)

Animal experimentation remains critical in understanding the fundamental processes of life, including behaviour, and in developing treatments for injury and disease. Members of the constituent bodies of ICSU believe that the use of animals in research and education imposes a responsibility on the scientists concerned to provide for the proper care and humane treatment of such animals, in accordance with ethical codes of conduct. ICSU reaffirms the scientific community's responsibility to establish its own mechanisms to evaluate the necessity and conduct of animal experimentation. Further, ICSU affirms that all research on animals should be designed taking into consideration its relevance to the improvement of human and animal health and welfare, and to the advancement of knowledge for the good of society. ICSU recognises that alternative methods of experimentation, such as cell culture and related systems, and computer modelling, are important adjuncts to animal experimentation and should be utilized whenever possible; however, they cannot at present replace the responsible use of animals in research and education.

July 1996