The European Animal Research Association (EARA) and the Københavns Universitet (KU) invite you to discuss how to improve openness in communications about animal research with the general public, political decision makers, and opinion formers in Denmark.

This workshop, sponsored by FENS and SfN, is offered to those working in the life sciences sector and is designed to support researchers, communications staff and institutions that wish to be more open about the animal research they carry out. The focal theme of the workshop is to discuss why scientists, researchers, press officers and other stakeholders can and should talk about animal research.

Openness in the public debate on animal research has been increasing in many European countries and research institutions. However, there is still significant reluctance within many academic institutions, and amongst scientists, towards conducting a more open and consistent dialogue with the public. Many scientists are still afraid that speaking more openly about their research and their motivations will make them targets, while others lack the confidence to put the case for animal research to what they view as a sceptical public and a potentially hostile media.

The discussion is relevant for members of institutions that are involved in animal research - directly or indirectly - and are currently hesitant to speak out in the media or to participate in public engagement activities. We hope that this workshop, and those hosted by EARA in other countries, will help to kickstart a cultural change and support research institutions to handle this issue constructively.

A certificate of attendance will be available after the event.

Hear from the leaders in the field of research and communication about the need for greater openness and transparency about animal research in Denmark.

Schedule:

12:00-12:30 - Registration
12:30-14:15 - Presentations (20 min per speaker + 5 min questions)
14:15-14:30 - Coffee Break
14:30-15:30 - Panel Discussion
15:30-16:00 - Networking Session

Speakers: Kirk Leech (EARA Executive Director), Klas Abelson (Principal Investigator at KU), Sara Wells (Mary Lyon Centre), Thomas Fahrenkrug (Chief of Communications at KU).

Venue: Hannover Auditorium, Københavns Universitet, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N

This is an in-person event only.

Improving Openness in Animal Research in Denmark