The 26 signatory institutions of the Swiss Transparency Agreement on Animal Research (STAAR) – including universities, research funding institutions and professional associations – have published their 2024 annual report. Through internal training courses, various events, the publication of key figures and other activities, the members of STAAR have helped to further promote and strengthen transparency and dialogue on the responsible use of animal models in research.
The Swiss Transparency Agreement on Animal Research (STAAR) was founded in 2022. Its aim is to promote greater openness and constructive dialogue on the use of animals in research. To date, 26 institutions have signed this voluntary agreement, including organisations that conduct animal research, such as universities and industrial research institutes, as well as organisations that support animal research, such as professional associations.
The published annual report for 2024 shows how STAAR members are putting transparency into practice and how they are further strengthening dialogue with society.
Open dialogue with interested groups
Twelve institutions opened their doors to interested groups, such as school classes, journalists and politicians. Such visits give the public a direct insight into the responsible treatment of animals in research. Additionally, eleven members organised lectures and symposia, to name just a few of the diverse activities undertaken by the signatories. Members also expanded their digital presence and communication across multiple channels, demonstrating that transparency in animal research is increasingly becoming the norm.
Facts and figures
In 2024, one focus was on sharing facts and figures about animal research. Twelve of the fourteen institutions that conduct animal research published detailed data on the use of animals in their projects. More and more organisations also provided additional information on the severity degree in the various research projects. In addition, several organisations that support animal research shared their own figures.
Anchoring the 3R principle
The 3R principle – replacement, reduction and refinement of animal experimentation – was one of the topics on which STAAR members intensified their communication efforts. They used their communication channels to provide information about events relating to these ethical principles. Public conferences and internal awards demonstrate the institutions' commitment to this issue.