Animals Containing Human Material
Sciencewise-ERC funded project 2010
Background
Led by the Academy of Medical Sciences, this public dialogue project forms part of a broader study on the use of animals containing human material in scientific research. Find out more about the project background.
Aims and Objectives
- Engage members of the public in dialogue on the issues raised by the current and future use of animals containing human material in research.
- Provide opportunities for members of the public to discuss and explore their aspirations and concerns about current and future issues related to the research use of animals containing human material.
- Identify areas of consensus, disagreement or uncertainty on a broad range of issues raised by current and possible future scientific developments, and explore both initial views and changes in opinion.
- Inform the final recommendations made by the Academy for public policy and research needs.
- Enable the Academy and the wider science community to build on previous experience in public dialogue, to pioneer innovative approaches in public engagement and to develop knowledge and understanding of public dialogue and its potential for future applications.
Delivered By
Academy of Medical Sciences
The Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) is the independent body in the UK representing the whole spectrum of medical science. Its mission is to ensure better healthcare through the rapid application of research to the practice of medicine.
Department of Health
The Department of Health (DH) is the government department responsible for public health issues. It exists to improve the health and wellbeing of people in England.
Latest Status Update
Report from the ACHM working group study published
Evaluation report published, November 2010
British Science Association reports on results from Animals Containing Human Material
AMS appoints Ipsos MORI led consortium to explore public views on research using animals containing human material. Read more.
Find Out More
- Beyond the yuck factor: just how 'human' should laboratory animals become?Video from the British Science Festival
- Media Release - public dialogue resultsAcademy of Medical Sciences
- Article: From wary to willingGeoff Watts in People and Science
- Academy calls for additional oversight of sensitive research using animals containing human materialAcademy of Medical Science Media Release
- Responses to the reportAcademy of Medical Sciences
- Regulations proposed for animal–human chimaerasNature News
- The legacy of Doctor MoreauNature, international weeky journal of science
- Animal testing 'requires tighter regulation'BBC news
- Home Office consultation on transposition of EU directive on protection of animals used for scientifHome Office
- AMS response to consultation on transposition of EU directive on protection of animals for scientifiAMS
Key Impacts
- Public participants enjoyed the workshops and described them as interesting, informative and thought‐provoking. There was considerable evidence of views changing throughout the dialogue, especially during Workshop 1. The mechanisms for this change appeared to be the provision of new information and listening to each others’ views.
- In follow up interviews the experts felt that they had been inspired to do more science communication after realising the level of public interest in science and the impact that it can have.
- The dialogue report had led some stakeholder interviewees to reflect on their own opinions, and perhaps see the issue from a different perspective, while for others there was an opportunity for insight into a dialogue process.
Resources
- Executive summary: Exploring the boundaries: public dialogue on animals containing human materialAcademy of Medical Sciences
- Full report: Exploring the boundaries: public dialogue on animals containing human materialAcademy of Medical Sciences
- Evaluation Report: Exploring the Boundaries: A dialogue on Animals Containing Human MaterialLaura Grant Associates
- Full report: Animals containing human material working group studyAcademy of Medical Sciences
- Synopsis: Animals containing human material working group studyAcademy of Medical Sciences
Project Quotes
“This Government is committed to ensuring the UK remains a great place to do science. Getting the regulation around research right, in a way that commands public confidence, is part of that mission. This report makes a valuable contribution to that agenda by combining expert advice with the insight gained from public dialogue on the issue. It is vital that we continue to listen to the public’s hopes and concerns whenever we consider developments in cutting-edge science.”David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science
“We welcome the valuable contribution of this study to the understanding of the complex ethical, scientific and animal welfare issues involved in this area of research. We will consider the recommendations carefully.”Lynne Featherstone, Home Office Minister
“It is absolutely right for the scientific community to be open about the work we do and any potential ethical issues it might raise.”Sir Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust