Survey On Animal Research Facility Priorities
The Animal Research Facilities Survey investigates the priorities and attitudes of animal researchers and those managing animal research facilities. Respondents were asked to write open-ended comments about their priorties for animal facility planning, design, construction, and operations in 2010 and 2011; animal welfare and reducing the number of animals used in research was not included within the most important themes addressed.
One hundred and twenty six individuals from 118 research organizations were asked to make open-ended comments about their priorities. The top five themes that emerged were:
- Renovations, upgrades or new construction
- Operating plans (costs, budgets, personnel)
- Space utilization & research program productivity
- Energy and sustainability
- New certification, grant, and regulatory requirements
The degree to which animal welfare was discussed was in relation to meeting new new AAALAC, NIH DRM, FDA and USDA, regulatory requirements.