Forums to focus on ethics of animal research

Three forums on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus will highlight the ethics of animal research, Eric Sandgren , an associate professor of pathobiological sciences, announced today. "We want these talks to be discussions with the community on the costs, benefits and ethics of animal research," says Sandgren, who directs the Research Animal Resource Center. "More transparency, more communication and better information help everyone involved in this emotional debate." The forums, in response to interest in the ethics of animal research among some members of the Dane County Board, were proposed last year by UW-Madison Provost Paul M. DeLuca Jr. and Graduate School Dean Martin Cadwallader. The goal is to increase public discussion and understanding of issues surrounding animal research. Each presentation will be followed by an extensive question-and-answer session involving the audience. Speakers were selected by a planning group, which included a diverse range of opinions on the validity and benefits of animal research.