CIMeC Colloquium - Augusto Vitale

20 December 2012
11am

• Augusto Vitale Section of Behavioural Neuroscience – Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience – Istituto Superiore di Sanità – Roma

Title: “Animal experimentation: a multi-dimensional problem”

Abstract: In this presentation I will emphasise the different aspects characterising the practice of animal experimentation. At first I will offer a definition of animal model, underlying its limits and advantages. Then a scientific justification for the use of animal models will be offered, the Darwinian theory of evolution being the main point of reference. The following aspect will regard different philosophical arguments surroundings the concept of animal rights, with a description of different theoretical positions. A special focus will be then on the Principle of the 3Rs, devised by Russel and Burch in 1959, which is nowadays the backbone of a ethically sound animal experimentation. This Principle is now integral part of the text of the new Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used in scientific procedures. This Directive has to be adopted by all Member States by January the 1st, 2013. Different aspects of the Directive will be briefly described. The last part of the presentation will regard the use of non-human primates in laboratory research, as a special case-study, also in relation to the scientific, philosophical, social and legislative aspects which characterise their use. The take-home message of this presentation is that animal experimentation is a complex and multi-dimensional problem, which has to be approached both applying general principles and a focused case to case cost/benefit analysis. To readily accept without discussion, as well as a total refusal, of such practice are not particularly appropriate attitudes, with the risk of compromising in both cases the welfare of the animals utilised.

Hosted by: Giorgio Vallortigara

 PREMESOR project seminar