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Swiss Transparency Agreement on Animal Research (STAAR)

STAAR aims to foster communication and transparency regarding the use of animals in research by its signatories. It brings together both public and private organisations that either carry out, are involved and/or fund animal research or institutions which breed and supply animals . STAAR is a Commission of the Chamber of Universities.

Signatory organisations make the following commitments:

  • We will be clear about how and why we use or support the use of animals in research,
  • We will enhance our communication with the public and the media about our involvement with research using animals,
  • We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about our involvement with research using animals,
  • We will report on progress annually and share our experiences.

Concrete objectives (‘STAAR Standards’) are defined each year. In June 2025, the following objectives have been set:

Promotion of the 3Rs

When publishing information on research results, the signatories aim to increase the visibility of researchers who develop or apply 3R methods.

Public engagement

Signatories are committed to organising and participating in public engagements to answer questions from the public.

Explaining animal research

Signatories work to provide information on the use of severe procedures.

STAAR's activities are planned and executed by two bodies: the Plenary Assembly composed of representatives of all members, and a Working Group which is responsible for the management of STAAR. STAAR is promoted at the national level by a member organisation which is designated as the lead organisation.

Members of the Working Group

  • Michael O. Hottiger (UZH and Member of the Kommission für Tierversuchsethik KTVE), President
  • Antoine Adamantidis (UniBE)
  • Paolo Cinelli (UZH/USZ and President of the Swiss Society for Laboratory Animal Science SGV)
  • Cédric Focking Schneider (UNIL and President of the Communication group of the Swiss Animal Facilities Network SAFN)
  • Maike Heimann (ETH Zürich and President of the Swiss Association of Veterinarians in Industry and Research SAVIR)
  • Kurt Lingenhoehl (Novartis)
  • Daniele Roppolo (UNIGE)
  • Jenny Sandström (Executive Director of the Swiss 3R Competence Center 3RCC)
  • Michaela Thallmair (UZH and Chair of the Animal Welfare Officer Network AWO-N)
  • Xavier Warot (EPFL and Chair of the Board of Head of Animal Facilities of the Swiss Animal Facilities Network SAFN)
  • Marius Widmer (Unifr)

The following organisations are members of STAAR (List):

Become a STAAR signatory

Letter of intent (Document)

Contact: Anne Planche