Spanish animal research transparency continues to strengthen

Research institutions in Spain continue to strengthen their commitment to openness about animal research, according to the latest evaluation report covering 2024 and produced by the European Animal Research Association (EARA).

The eighth annual report analysed survey responses from 158 of the 170 institutions that have signed the COSCE Transparency Agreement on Animal Research, the largest agreement of its kind worldwide. The clearest evidence of the consolidation of transparency practices is that all institutions responding maintained a public institutional statement on their websites.

Key achievements in 2024 included:

• Public communication about animal research increased 11% compared to the previous year (54% in 2023 to 65% in 2024).

• 43% of institutions offered training related to animal research transparency, with 22% providing in-house training and 20% using external providers.

• Internal awareness continued to grow, with 41% of institutions encouraging non-research staff to visit animal facilities to foster understanding and cross-institutional engagement.

• Websites remained the primary communication channel, used by 80% of institutions to share information about animal research.

• Social media usage was widespread, with 96% of institutions active on social platforms.

• Promotion of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) improved, with examples on institutional websites increasing 5% compared to the previous year (38% in 2023 to 43% in 2024).

• Participation in scientific outreach events was the most common engagement activity in 2024, with 65% of institutions involved. 

Concrete examples of openness and transparency about animal research were included throughout the report, such as:

• Animal facility tour on the website of Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS).

• Media piece about research conducted by the Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa.

• Video by the EARA memberUniversidad Complutense de Madrid for the #BOARD24 campaign.

• Extensive information about animal research on the website of EARA member Universitat Jaume I. 

• Podcast episode about the 3Rs by EARA member Charles River.

EARA executive director, Kirk Leech, said: “Congratulations to colleagues in Spain for making further progress in improving proactive communications on the use of animals in research. Spain is the largest Transparency Agreement in the World and continues to set standards other countries should aspire to.”