In an effort to tackle the knowledge gap between scientists and the public, and to defend animal research, Understanding Animal Research’s communication strategy of proactive transparency serves as a model to scientists, says Lev Tankelevitch.
In the UK, almost half of the public believes that some animal research goes on without an official licence. The situation is similar in the US. This ignorance finds its way to policy makers around the world who dismiss academics and deride science. Clearly, there is a profound imbalance in the knowledge available to scientists and to the rest of society about animal research.
Illustration by Lev Tankelevitch