An important new German initiative on alternatives to animal research
The Directive governing research across Europe requires that anyone wanting to use animals must first properly evaluate whether the research in question can be done without them. Vivisection defenders often cite this requirement as ‘proof’ that all reasonable steps are taken to avoid the use of animals. In reality however applicants for licences feels no genuine pressure from the Home Office to go in search of non-animal methods. One reason for this is that the research community has never bothered to produce a user-friendly ‘alternatives’ database; until now …
Germany has led the way and they have now developed an online database described as the world’s ‘first knowledge-based search engine for alternative methods to animal experiments’. The new easy to use facility is called GO3R (www.GO3R.org). GO3R sifts and organises everything and is able to draw on millions of articles and research papers. It is funded by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment and was developed by software company Transinsight in collaboration with scientists specialising in non-animal research methods. The service is available free of charge. The development of GO3R offers the prospect of important progress. Animal Aid has called on the Home Office to require that all future licence applicants for research not only demonstrate that they have made use of GO3R but also reveal in specific terms the results of their online searches.
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Uphold, Protect & Respect Other Animals' Rights |