Communicating Animal Research

Animal Research is a very controversial topic with strong advocates on both sides of the debate. Unfortunately, due to the threatening and even violent actions of a minority of Animal Rights Activists some research institutions and individuals are reluctant to communicate with the public about animal research. This has led to a widespread lack of understanding of the details of the ethics of animal research. Communication with the public on animal research can include age-appropriate workshops at schools, tours of animal facilities, factsheets or other online resources, articles in popular science publications, and public engagement or full public dialogues events. 

RELEVANCE TO OPEN SCIENCE
The need for openness and communication regarding the realities of animal research is very great. Open Science advocates that researchers engage directly with the public about the nature of their work. Animal Research is one of the topics which would benefit most from this culture shift.