Introduction
The Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee of our centre, supported by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), is dedicated to guaranteeing that research involving animals is carried out with the utmost respect for their welfare and in accordance with current legislation.
Commitment to Animal Welfare
Both institutions recognise the importance of animal experimentation in the advancement of scientific and medical knowledge. However, this recognition goes hand in hand with a strong ethical responsibility to ensure that any use of animals is fully justified and carried out in a way that minimises suffering. Our committee adheres to the principles of the 3Rs:
- Replacement: Use alternative methods whenever possible to avoid the use of animals.
- Reduction: Reduce the number of animals used in studies to the minimum necessary to obtain reliable results.
- Refinement: Optimise experimental procedures to minimise pain and stress to the animals.
Ethical Evaluation and Monitoring
Every research project involving the use of animals is subjected to rigorous evaluation by the committee, ensuring that it meets established ethical and legal standards. This process includes:
- A detailed review of experimental protocols.
- Verification of the training and competence of the personnel involved.
- Continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with regulations and animal welfare throughout the research.
Transparency and Institutional Commitment
The IIBM is committed to transparency in animal experimentation. Together with the CSIC, we are members of the Agreement on Transparency in Animal Experimentation promoted by the Confederation of Spanish Scientific Societies (COSCE), with the collaboration of the European Association for Animal Research (EARA). This agreement seeks to establish open channels of communication between the scientific community and society, facilitating the understanding of the use of animals in research and the benefits derived from this practice. More information on this commitment is available on the CSIC and UAM websites:
Education and Training
Our committee is also responsible for promoting continuous training in animal welfare and research ethics. We offer training programmes for researchers and technical staff, ensuring that they are aware of best practices and updates in applicable legislation.
Through these actions, we reaffirm our commitment to responsible and ethical research that respects animal life and contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge for the benefit of society as a whole.