The USI Group for Transparency in Animal Research: A concrete and interdisciplinary commitment

Università della Svizzera italiana continues to show its commitment to transparency in animal research by adhering to the principles of the STAAR Agreement (Swiss Transparency Agreement on Animal Research), signed by the university in 2022. The organisations that adhere to STAAR, including USI, are committed to better communication and transparency on the use of animals in scientific research. Concrete objectives are defined yearly, and the signatory organisations report on their progress to achieve greater transparency. To achieve the goals of this agreement, a team of experts and researchers from USI and affiliated institutes has been established for several years to actively promote clear and responsible communication regarding scientific practices involving animal models.

This group, chaired by Prof. Santiago González (Group Leader at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine IRB), includes researchers and professionals from the IRB (Postdoc researcher Dr Tommaso Virgilio, Head of Animal Care and Scientific Support Dr Sara Maffei and Veterinarian and Animal Welfare Officer Dr Melania Osto), as well as communication experts from USI (Dr Cristina Elia and Robin Creti).

Leveraging its interdisciplinary expertise, the group ensures that research information is accessible to the public, fostering dialogue between the academic community and society.

In recent years, the group has promoted numerous activities, including:

• The creation and maintenance of a page dedicated to animal research, featuring images, data and the legal framework within which USI operates
• The organisation of dissemination events, such as the Open Day on Animal Research, held at the East Campus Lugano in September 2023, or other events dedicated to animal research within the exhibition "Le molte facce del contagio" and the various Open Days of Bios+ (with an audience of around 1,000 people per year) and of USI (with an audience of around 4,000 people).
• The publication and dissemination of a series of news items and social media content on animal research, drawing public attention to key concepts such as the 3Rs (Replace, Reduce and Refine).
• Visits by various schools and high schools to research laboratories.
• The organisation of continuing education events for biology teachers and school principals in Ticino.
• The creation of an interactive screen on the topic for use at public events.
• The publication of a series of dissemination videos on the principles of animal research, with over 15,000 views. Some examples include:
  • Why animal research is still necessary
  • The principles of the 3Rs
• Active participation in international social media campaigns, such as the European Animal Research Association's (EARA) Transparency Thursday

In line with this commitment, USI hosted the Swiss 3R Days 2023 in Lugano and is an active member of the Swiss Animal Facilities Network – SAFN, created by swissuniversities, with representatives in various working groups. In addition, USI is a member of the Swiss 3R Competence Centre.

At USI, the utmost attention is given to using alternative methods to animal research whenever possible. In this regard, USI is committed to providing exemplary animal care, training the staff involved, planning experiments carefully and exploiting all opportunities to improve animal welfare. USI upholds these commitments through a strict policy founded on the "Basel Declaration" and the principle of the three Rs.