ANZCCART NZ releases third annual report on Openness Agreement for animal research and teaching

ANZCCART NZ Chair, Emeritus Professor Pat Cragg, commented: “The Third Annual Report, like the second, indicates continuing improvement in Openness and provides a selection of new initiatives and a selection of excellent examples of good practice”.

The report suggests positive trends in transparency and community involvement but identifies areas needing further support and clarity.

Recommendations for signatory organisations to enhance Openness include the adoption of best practices, improved website accessibility, the development of policies to facilitate transparent communication and engaging with iwi around taonga species.

Launched in July 2021 with 21 signatories, the Agreement has expanded to encompass 30 organisations committed to fostering transparency and accountability in the use of animals for research and teaching purposes.

In New Zealand, the Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching was developed to foster greater transparency regarding the use of animals in scientific studies. This agreement plays a crucial role in balancing the scientific needs for animal research with public concerns over animal welfare. Signatories commit to being clear about how and why they use animals, and enhance communications with media, the public and tangata whenua about their use of animals in research and teaching.

Key findings from the third annual report include:

1. Increase in Engagement:
The report outlines a rise in the number of signatories engaging in public communication about animal use, growth in facility tours (for public, students and non-research staff within their own institutes) and use of websites and social media to share information. 

2. Training and Policies:
More signatories implemented policies to handle inquiries about animal use. There was an increase in media training reported by signatories for researchers and staff to engage with the public.  

3. Cultural and Ethical Engagement:
Signatories showed greater engagement with tangata whenua (indigenous communities), including discussing tikanga Māori (Māori customs) and involving iwi representatives in ethics committees. However, barriers remain where there is confusion on approaches and difficulties accessing Māori representatives.

4. Public and Community Outreach:
The report shows an increase in public engagement activities, such as school programs, community events and facility tours. The most common public groups visiting facilities were students, special interest groups and politicians.

5. Barriers:
Limited resources and biosecurity concerns hinder balanced communication and public engagement about animal research.

As it has been three years since the agreement was launched, ANZCCART NZ undertook a review of the openness agreement and are pleased to announce a Supporter category has been included.

The new Supporter category is for organisations that do not conduct animal research or teaching directly but have indirect involvement in ways such as providing funding, regulatory oversight, supplying equipment for, or serving as professional bodies. The Supporter category allows additional organisations to join and show their support for Openness without needing to report against commitments that do not apply to their activities.

ANZCCART NZ invites other institutions and organisations in New Zealand to join the Openness Agreement and contribute to the nation's continued leadership in animal welfare and scientific research. Organisations interested in becoming signatories can contact anzccart@royalsociety.org.nz for more information.

The full report is available for download on the ANZCCART NZ website: https://www.anzccart.org.nz/openness-agreement.