Don't dismiss courage

Mo Dodson (Letters, March 26) should read your article "Animal tests 'upsetting but important'" (March 19) or see the video it describes instead of condemning the photograph of an undergraduate of African origin. Only a handful of scientists are willing to speak publicly on this subject for fear of intimidation by animal rights groups.

The photograph accompanying the article was the choice of The Times Higher , not the Campaign for Medical Progress.

Rawaa's appearance, gender and ethnic origin are irrelevant to this important issue, but her courage is certainly newsworthy.

Nancy Rothwell
School of Biological Sciences
Manchester University