Experimental Biology 2010
April 24-28
Anaheim, CA
Public Affairs Events
Trends in Animal
Rights Activism and Extremism
The
Challenges of Running an IACUC: An Open Forum for IACUC Chairs and
Members
“Trends in Animal
Rights Activism and Extremism”
APS Animal Care and Experimentation Committee
3:15-5:45 p.m. Saturday, April 24, 2010
Room 303B, Anaheim Convention Center
Animal rights activists frequently ask for
information about research projects using the federal Freedom of Information
Act or state open records laws. These are laws intended to promote openness
in government, which the information generally has to be released unless it
falls under specific exemptions. UCLA Senior Counsel Amy Blum will discuss
how researchers and their institutions can minimize this risk of releasing
information that can be misused.
In recent years, the radical fringe of the
animal rights movement has increasingly adopted violent tactics pioneered by
animal rights extremists in the U.K. University of Iowa Director of Animal
Resources Paul Cooper will discuss how institutions should prepare
themselves to respond effectively to an animal rights break-in.
Due to a growing recognition among
researchers that keeping a low profile does not provide protection against
activists, the symposium will feature two talks on public outreach. UCLA
neuroscientist David Jentsch, who organized the first large scale U.S. march
in support of humane animal research, will discuss ways for scientists to
become pro-active research advocates. In addition, UCLA neurobiology
doctoral candidate Megan Wyeth will discuss public outreach for the early
career scientist. Jentsch founded an organization at UCLA called Pro-Test
for Science, and Wyeth has received a Michael D. Hayre Fellowship in Public
Outreach from Americans for Medical Progress to assist other institutions in
establishing Pro-Test chapters. Therefore, the last half hour of the session
will be an informal discussion with Jentsch and Wyeth for those interested
in establishing a Pro-Test for Science chapters.
“The
Challenges of Running an IACUC: An Open Forum for IACUC Chairs and Members”
- 7:30-9 a.m. Tuesday, April 27
Salon J-K, Anaheim Marriott
This informal event is intended to
promote discussion among IACUC chairs and members about regulatory
challenges they face. There are no scheduled speakers but attendees are
encouraged bring questions and a willingness to brainstorm solutions
with others. Current and former IACUC members as well as those
interested in regulatory matters are welcome to attend.
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