Perceptions of laboratory animal facility managers regarding institutional transparency

Brunt, Michael W; Weary, Daniel M.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0254279

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…In contrast, Randall described true transparency; a process that fosters engagement with a diversity of perspectives, ultimately to inform institutional decisions. Similar sentiments were expressed by managers of animal research facilities (Brunt & Weary 2021). A collaborative discussion allows for diverse groups to participate and contribute in ways they deem appropriate (Carbone 2021).…”

Section: Reflections On Transparencymentioning

confidence: 70%

“…Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted by MWB. The interview guide (available online at the Scholars Portal Dataverse: https://doi.org/10.5683/SP3/PYC4RY) was based on previous research (Brunt & Weary 2021). Participants were asked to describe their perceptions and experiences relating to animal research transparency at their institution.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous work has also shown that laboratory animal research that occurs in a more transparent environment improves perceptions of the research and the workers conducting it (Mills et al 2018 ). However, even within an institution people vary in how they interpret the institutional culture of transparency about the use of animals (Brunt & Weary 2021 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Perceptions of laboratory animal veterinarians regarding institutional transparency

Brunt

Weary

2023

Anim. welf.

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Institutions using animals for research typically have a veterinarian who is responsible for the veterinary care programme and compliance with regulatory obligations. These veterinarians operate at the interface between the institution’s animal research programme and senior management. Veterinarians have strong public trust and are well positioned to share information about animals used for scientific purposes, but their perspectives on sharing information with the public are not well documented and their perceptions of transparency may influence how institutional policies are developed and applied. The objective of our study was to analyse the perceptions of institutional transparency among laboratory animal veterinarians working at different universities. Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were used to describe perceptions of 16 attending veterinarians relating to animal research transparency. Three themes were drawn from the interviews: (i) reflections on transparency; (ii) reflections on culture; and (iii) reflections on self. Veterinarians reflected on their personal priorities regarding transparency and when combined with barriers to change within the institutions, sometimes resulted in reported inaction. For example, sometimes veterinarians chose not to pursue available opportunities for change at seemingly willing universities, while others had their initiatives for change blocked by more senior administrators. The sharing of information regarding the animals used for scientific purposes varied in how it was conceptualised by attending veterinarians: (i) true transparency; communication of information for the sake of openness; (ii) strategic transparency; attempt to educate people about animal research because then they will support it; (iii) agenda-driven transparency; selective release of positive stories to direct public opinion; and (iv) fearful non-transparency; not communicating any information for fear of negative opposition to animal research. Transparency was not perceived as an institutional priority by many of the veterinarians and a cohesive action plan to increase transparency that involves multiple universities was identified as a promising avenue to overcome existing barriers.

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Section: Reflections On Transparencymentioning

confidence: 70%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Perceptions of laboratory animal veterinarians regarding institutional transparency

Brunt

Weary

2023

Anim. welf.

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Between animal research and animal welfare: Analysing the openness practices of UK Named Veterinary Surgeons

McGlacken,

Hobson-West

2024

Anim. welf.

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The use of animals as scientific models is argued to be crucial for producing new scientific and medical knowledge and clinical treatments. However, animal research continues to raise socio-ethical concerns. In recent years, there has been a push for openness amongst the life science community, with the aim of increasing the transparency of animal research to wider publics. Yet, how this push for openness is experienced by those responsible for the care and welfare of research animals requires further study. This paper draws upon qualitative interviews with Named Veterinary Surgeons (NVS) in the UK and explores how they practise openness, avoid openness, and, at times, challenge the way their role is represented within openness agendas. Overall, this social scientific analysis reveals that the current openness agenda has the potential to create tensions for professionals, as they seek to manage regulatory and public imaginaries of the veterinary identity alongside the animal research controversy. The paper concludes by arguing for a culture of dialogue, where openness includes allowing those with responsibilities for animal welfare to express ambivalence or concern about their own role. Finally, the paper calls for sustained academic work on relations between the veterinary profession and wider society, particularly areas that involve contested practices in which care and harm may coincide.

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A scoping review on what constitutes a good research culture

Blatch-Jones,

Lakin,

Thomas

2024

F1000Res

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Background The crisis in research culture is well documented, covering issues such as a tendency for quantity over quality, unhealthy competitive environments, and assessment based on publications, journal prestige and funding. In response, research institutions need to assess their own practices to promote and advocate for change in the current research ecosystem. The purpose of the scoping review was to explore ‘What does the evidence say about the ‘problem’ with ‘poor’ research culture, what are the benefits of ‘good’ research culture, and what does ‘good’ look like?’ Aims To examine the peer-reviewed and grey literature to explore the interplay between research culture, open research, career paths, recognition and rewards, and equality, diversity, and inclusion, as part of a larger programme of activity for a research institution. Methods A scoping review was undertaken. Six databases were searched along with grey literature. Eligible literature had relevance to academic research institutions, addressed research culture, and were published between January 2017 to May 2022. Evidence was mapped and themed to specific categories. The search strategy, screening and analysis took place between April-May 2022. Results 1666 titles and abstracts, and 924 full text articles were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 253 articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. A purposive sampling of relevant websites was drawn from to complement the review, resulting in 102 records included in the review. Key areas for consideration were identified across the four themes of job security, wellbeing and equality of opportunity, teamwork and interdisciplinary, and research quality and accountability. Conclusions There are opportunities for research institutions to improve their own practice, however institutional solutions cannot act in isolation. Research institutions and research funders need to work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive research culture that is diverse in nature and supports individuals’ well-being, career progression and performance.

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Perceptions of laboratory animal facility managers regarding institutional transparency

Cited by 5 publications

References 22 publications

Perceptions of laboratory animal veterinarians regarding institutional transparency

Perceptions of laboratory animal veterinarians regarding institutional transparency

Between animal research and animal welfare: Analysing the openness practices of UK Named Veterinary Surgeons

A scoping review on what constitutes a good research culture

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