The “Three Rs” continue to shape scientific research across the EU and beyond. In this context, the search for alternatives to animal models increasingly influences the development of research projects. At the same time, the importance of employing the correct model remains key to the reliability and utility of any results.
This event was organised by the CARE Committee at the FENS 2020 Virtual Forum.

A report mapping the brain science landscape of brain and neuroscience research

Brochure presenting the Committee on Animal Research (CARE) and its activities.

Learn more about the mission of the Committee on Animal Research (CARE).

A consensus document about psychiatric and neurological diseases representing a considerable social and eco0mic burden in Europe. Written by Monica Di Luca, Mary Baker, Renato Corradetti, Helmut Kettenmann, Julien Mendlewicz, Jes Olesen, Ian Ragan and Manfred Westphal.

A consensus Statement on European Brain Research: The need to expand Brain Research in Europe

Report on the cost of disorders of the brain in Europe

This FENS Forum 2018 event discussed current situation of women and men in science, including gender statistics related to research funding, ways of combining career progress with family and parenting, and ongoing initiatives to support women and men in science. Event organised by the FKNE and the FENS Committee for Higher Education and Training (CHET).

An opinion from FENS on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Prohibition of Live Imports of Primates for Research)

FENS aims to increase public awareness about the benefits of brain research.

FENS position on Directive 2010/63/EU on the use of animals in scientific research (2014)

FENS statement supporting European Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (2015)

A message from the FENS President following the decision of Nikos Logothetis, then director at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tubingen, Germany, to stop his research on primates after having been targeted by animal activists.

How easy is it to communicate the needs of researchers to the general public, especially when animals are involved? This 60-minute online event aims to teach how to communicate the use of animals in scientific research responsibly and transparently.

FENS and the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) strongly advocate for the responsible use of animals in biomedical research. Their position is explained in this 2014 joint paper.

FENS, the Japan Neuroscience Society (JNS) and the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) strongly advocate for the responsible use of animals in biological and biomedical research. (2014)

Global statement on the use of animals in Biomedical Research (2014)

As part of an effort to provide scientists with strategies to openly communicate about animal research with the wider public, the European Animal Research Association, a communications and advocacy organisation promoting biomedical research across Europe, hosted a workshop series, supported by FENS and SfN, on Improving Openness in Animal Research in Germany.

Joint statement supporting the European Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (2015)

Statement regarding the Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals’ Meetings of 13 September 2018 on the use of animals in neuroscience research.

A letter on the importance of animal research in neuroscience (2016)

An open letter from FENS on recent developments in science in the US

A statement in support of animal research and a transparent approach in Belgium to mark World Day for Laboratory Animals (24 April).

A statement of concern about funding in brain research.

A statement of concern about the targeting of scientists by animal activities

A report on the prospects of Brain Research within Horizon 2020: Responding efficiently to Europe’s societal needs

Examples of the value of animal use in neuroscience from the FENS Committee on Animals in Research (CARE)

Sensing, feeling, moving, smelling, remembering… The brain controls every aspect of our body. It is the most complex organ, and works like billions of tiny computers at lightning speed.
But how can we study such a complex organ? This educational video aims at explaining how and why we study the brain to younger audiences.
This video has been developed by FENS-CARE, the Committee on Animal Research.

In the average adult human, the brain represents about 2% of the body weight, yet it is responsible for all of the body’s functions. What does the brain mean to you?

This event, focused on Improving Openness in Animal Research in Portugal, highlighted the importance of the Portuguese Transparency Agreement and the need to be proactive in giving the public information on the use of animals in research. The event was part of a series supported by FENS and SfN.