CARE
Despite decades of ethical debate and regulatory progress, animals used for research still endure considerable suffering and harm. Innovations for the benefit of animals are incremental, and their implementation is very slow. To address this issue I have teamed up with Katharina Tillmann. Together we propose introducing a voluntary welfare label called CARE (Critically Assess the Refinement in Experiments). The CARE label will formally recognise and reward publications of researchers and research groups that proactively improve the welfare of their laboratory animals beyond minimal legal requirements. A three-tiered award system with bronze, silver, and gold medals will recognise the extent and ambition of the implemented refinements. This approach represents a shift in focus from enforcing minimum standards to incentivising improvements of animal welfare in scientific research. The launch of the label is planned for 2027. Stay tuned and visit the CARE webpage for updates.
