Concordat on Openness on Animal Research
The Concordat on Openness is a set of commitments for UK-based life science organisations to enhance their animal research communications. Launched by Understanding Animal Research on 14 May 2014, the Concordat has 127 signatories.
Signatories to the Concordat have agreed to be more open about their use of animals in research and to abide by the following four commitments.
Commitment 1: We will be clear about when, how and why we use animals in research
Commitment 2: We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our research using animals
Commitment 3: We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research using animals
Commitment 4: We will report on progress annually and share our experiences
Openness abroad
The Concordat on Openness was the world’s first agreement committing signatories to open animal research communications. Since its launch in May 2014, it has inspired the creation of further transparency agreements across the world.
There are now transparency agreements in Spain, Portugal, Belgium, France, Germany, New Zealand, Netherlands, and Switzerland. Initiatives are also in development in Italy, the US, and Australia.
For more information, please visit our dedicated Concordat on Openness on Animal Research website.