Researchers Should Join Animal Experimentation Discussion
Nature Magazine explores the opinions of scientists toward animal experimentation in this online poll of readers, finding that three-quarters of respondents feel that animal research is “essential” to the progress of biomedical science, while one-fifth have reservations.
Nature Magazine conducted an online survey of readers to understand the views of working scientists on issues related to animal research. Because this poll surveyed readers and used an online survey, it does not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the community of biologists, but is offered as a snapshot of viewpoints.
The findings of this survey include:
- Three-fourths of respondents said that animal research was “essential” to the progress of biomedical science.
- Less than one-fifth had reservations about animals used in research.
- There is evidence that scientists are uncomfortable with discussing this issue in public, and there is sentiment that research agencies, universities, and other organizations should act to ensure that scientists are comfortable in talking about their work.