This week, in a first of its kind in Europe, the Dutch Transparency Agreement on Animal Testing will be holding an Open Week with a series of events.

Today, 9 May, Radboud University and EARA member Radboud UMC, in Nijmegen, are hosting a presentation to the public with scientists discussing their latest research, followed by a tour of the animal labs and facilities. EARA executive director, Kirk Leech, will also give a presentation on Global changes in communicating animal research.

On Wednesday, 11 May, EARA member Charles River Laboratories (Den Bosch, pictured) will host Lab Conversations, where the company will welcome the community and discuss issues with local companies, residents, politicians and the media.

While on Friday, 13 May, EARA member the Biomedical Primate Research Center, in Rijswijk, is inviting local journalists for a visit with a lecture, followed by a tour of the grounds.

Sportvisserij Nederland, which carries out research on fish, will also take part in the Open Week and explain its work in a short film.

“The Open Week is an excellent initiative of the transparency agreement signatories. Only by being open about why we use animals in research, and entering into a dialogue with the public, can we expect a better understanding of the issue,” said Kirk Leech.

Wilbert Frieling, chairman of the Animal Testing Information Foundation (SID), said: “We hope that more organisations will join the Transparency Agreement, so that it will eventually become easier to talk about animal testing in the Netherlands.”