Dutch survey warns for amendment threatening vital NHP research

A new survey conducted on behalf of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) has revealed that a large majority (87%) of Dutch researchers across disciplines believe that non-human primate (NHP) research continues to address key questions in their fields. Immunologists, neuroscientists and virologists nearly universally (99-100%) believe that NHP research is still required.

This survey was prompted by Dutch Parliament passing an amendment proposing a phase-out of primate research funding by 2030, which caused significant concern. One week later, the Senate delayed its vote on the Education and Science budget.

One question explicitly asked whether the amendment would limit research in their field. A striking 88% responded “yes” and only 5% said “no”. Among immunologists, neuroscientists, and virologists, not one person answered “no”.

When specifically asked what consequences the closure of the BPRC would have, 210 answers from 227 respondents described negative effects (translation failure, 181 answers; movement of NHP research to other countries, 21 answers), while only 3 respondents answered it would have positive effects (facilitate animal-free research, 2 answers; and stimulate research to human-relevant science, 1 answer).

94% of respondents thought that five years would not be enough to have alternative methods ready to replace NHP research in their field and 95% of respondents thought NWO should continue to fund NHP research through their grant schemes.

The delayed vote by senators on the Education and Science budget is scheduled to take place on 9 September.