Exploring the Role of Animal Technologists in Implementing the 3Rs

An Ethnographic Investigation of the UK University Sector

Dados Bibliográficos

ID5338063
AutoresBeth Greenhough (0000-0002-7351-2619, School of Geography and the Environment, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, autor correspondente), Emma Roe (0000-0001-5278-815X, Geography and Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK), Emma J Roe (0000-0003-4674-2133, University of Southampton)
Ano2018
Volume43
Fascículo4
Páginas694-722
Data de publicação2018-07-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoScience Technology & Human Values (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0162-2439 • E-ISSN: 1552-8251
EditoraSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0162243917718066
PMID30008494
OpenAlexW2742939785
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas36
Referências citadas32

The biomedical industry relies on the skills of animal technologists (ATs) to put laboratory animal welfare into practice. This is the first study to explore how this is achieved in relation to their participation in implementing refinement and reduction, two of the three key guiding ethical principles--the "3Rs"--of what is deemed to be humane animal experimentation. The interpretative approach contributes to emerging work within the social sciences and humanities exploring care and ethics in practice. Based on qualitative analysis of participant observation within animal research facilities in UK universities, in-depth interviews with ATs, facility managers, and other stakeholders, and analysis of regulatory guidelines, we draw a contrast between the minimum required of ATs by law and how their care work not only meets but often exceeds these requirements. We outline how ATs constitute a key source of innovation and insight into the refinement of animal care and the reduction of animal use, hitherto not formally acknowledged. Exploring AT care work as an example of ethics in practice makes an original contribution to broader debates within health care and animal welfare about how technology, regulation, and behavior can foster and sustain a "culture of care

Animal welfare · Engineering ethics · Health care · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies · Animal testing and alternatives · Computer Science · Engineering · Human-Animal Interaction Studies