The freedom of information laws will certainly increase work for some universities likely to be asked about animal experiments. But the identity of scientists and the nature of their work have always been available via their published papers. I would be surprised and saddened if freedom of information laws lead to an increase in attacks on animal researchers.
Now that Britain has a dedicated National Centre for the Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal experiments (the NC3Rs), many scientists will have an opportunity to work together to find better, more humane ways of doing medical research.
We at the Dr Hadwen Trust have nearly 35 years' experience of funding the replacement of animal experiments and, with the launch of the NC3Rs, we look forward to an increased awareness and interest among the scientific community in non-animal research techniques.
Gill Langley
Dr Hadwen Trust for Humane Research