Dear all,
A controversial one, I know, but I was wondering how others were
approaching this. At the moment, we publish nothing on what we do, and I
want to include a reference to it in our publication scheme to head off any
questions in the future.
Under class 8.3 (Research Policies), the model scheme advises to
publish 'codes of practice and conduct and how the HEI complies with the
law in areas such as research on animals'. With this in mind, I've
suggested that we publish a general statement of practice, the terms of
reference of the ethical committee on animal research, and the Home Office
guidelines (which we adhere to) under the Animals (Scientific Procedures)
Act 1986. Is this a similar approach planned by others? Is anybody finding
any resistance within their institution to moving towards more openness?
Secondly, we will obviously deal with the more detailed and troublesome
questions from January 2005. I may be wrong, but my feeling is that the
section 38 (health and safety) and section 40 (personal data) exemptions
would prevent us from disclosing the details of any individuals involved in
animal research, although we may have to state in more detail what is done.
Do others agree with this analysis?
Any thoughts, experiences etc would be gratefully received.
Thanks,
Richard
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