Use of Databases, Information Centers and Guidelines When Planning Research That May Involve Animals

By Smith, Adrian J. - Allen, Tim

Researchers planning studies that may involve the use of animals are required by law in many countries to examine the possibilities for Replacement, Reduction or Refinement (the three Rs) of these experiments. In addition to the large literature databases there are now many specialist databases addressing the three Rs. Information centres with a mandate to help scientists and laypeople alike to locate information on the three Rs have been established. Email discussion lists and their archives constitute another, albeit less quality-controlled, source of information. Guidelines for the care and use of animals in research have been produced both by regulatory bodies and scientific organisations. The growth of the Internet has put an enormous amount of data into the public domain, and the problems of accessing relevant information are discussed. Suggestions are also given for search strategies when using these information sources.