New information released today on the University of British Columbia Animal Research website outlines the main purposes for which animals were involved in research and educational activities in 2010.
Using data the university submits to the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), this latest release details six different purposes of animal inclusion and provides the number and percentage of animals for each category.
This complements the 2010 data UBC released October 28, 2011 on the total number of animals, the species groups to which they belong, and the degree of invasiveness entailed by the research.
Vice President Research and International John Hepburn stated: “With the new data we are making public today, we take another step towards responsible transparency on the critical research we conduct at UBC.”
Hepburn says the university is committed to provide the information needed to foster a respectful academic dialogue and common understanding on animal research.
More detailed information that could affect “the integrity of the research, intellectual property rights, the safety and privacy of researchers and staff, or the security of campus facilities will not be divulged,” said Hepburn.
Animal research at UBC is strictly controlled. All projects involving animals go through ethics reviews. UBC adheres to CCAC guidelines, has upgraded facilities to ensure best practices in humane care, and submits to CCAC inspections. The university and its scientists are accountable for research projects through publication in peer-reviewed academic journals.
For more information, visit www.animalresearch.ubc.ca
NB: Helen Burt, Associate Vice President Research and International, is available for media interviews from 1-2:30 p.m., Jan. 30, 2012. Please contact Lucie McNeill at 604.822.2064 or 604.312.0845.
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