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Session D3: Three R's Education for Those Involved in Animal-based ResearchChairs: Nicole Duffee (USA) and Bert van Zutphen (The Netherlands) D3: Aalas Campus and ResearchTraining.Org: Two Online Learning Systems for Laboratory Animal Technicians and Researchers The AALAS Campus and ResearchTraining.Org are web-based course and learning management systems, developed by M.T. Fallon and S.R. Manuel, that utilize a database architecture in MS SQL Server 2000 and Internet browsers (MS Internet Explorer 4.0 and NS Navigator 4.7 or higher versions). Both web sites are constructed of active server pages (asp) coded with a combination of html and visual basic. Course content, self-assessment quizzes, and exams are displayed on web pages via accesses to the SQL database. Both systems define three client levels: users who take courses and exams, content editors who build and modify courses and exams, and institutional administrators who access training transcripts of staff (singly or in groups). The AALAS Campus emphasizes training on animal welfare, animal methodologies, and regulatory and ethical issues for laboratory animal technicians. ResearchTraining.Org offers training on animal regulatory issues and biosafety for investigators. This workshop will offer an in-depth tour and a discussion of long-range goals for both systems. D3: European Science Foundation (Esf) Endorses the Three R's and the Education of Scientists on Laboratory Animal Science The European Science Foundation (ESF) has adopted a position paper on the use of animals in research. In this document the ESF sets out its view on conditions that must be met to make the use of animals morally acceptable. ESF explicitly states that laboratory animals have an intrinsic value, which must be respected. The consequences of recognizing the intrinsic value have been elaborated in the position paper and include, among others, that ESF member organizations are encouraged to endorse the replacement, reduction, and refinement principles. Prior to the performance of an animal experiment, the protocol should be subjected to independent expert review, including the weighing of the likely benefit versus the likely animal suffering. Also, the development and organization of accredited courses on laboratory animal science, including information on animal alternatives, welfare, and ethics are encouraged. The Council of Europe and FELASA have issued recommendations as to the education and training of persons involved in animal-based research. The recommendations, which are in line with ESF guidelines, will be explained, and some details on the implementation of the recommendations in the Netherlands will be presented. D3: Developing Ethics Training for Laboratory Animal Users Consideration of ethical aspects should be an integral part of training for all laboratory animal users, but it is sometimes difficult to decide what exactly this component of training should encompass and/or how it should be approached. A particular question is how to make ethics training more relevant and applicable to the day-to-day work of researchers. As part of a project aimed at addressing these questions, we carried out surveys of the prior knowledge, experience and attitudes towards ethics of animal users attending UK training courses. We also examined trainers' experiences in delivering the ethics component. Based on the findings from these surveys, this paper will explore how laboratory animal users' perceptions of the value of ethics training change with experience, what their concomitant needs for such training are likely to be, and how different approaches might be used to meet these needs. The importance of integrating ethics with other aspects of training will be emphasized, and the outcome of recent UK discussions on developing training will be reported. D3: Policy on Education of Individuals Involved in Animal Experiments or Other Scientific Procedures with Animals in Germany Depending on the kind of procedures, the German animal protection act prescribes that persons who carry out animal tests must have necessary knowledge and at least a completed qualification or a university degree in natural science, medicine, or veterinary medicine. The regulations of the European Community have to be taken into account. Appropriate education of all individuals engaged in the use of animals for scientific purposes is required by the convention (ETS 123) and the directive (86/609) of the European Council Research Union. However, neither the European regulations nor the German law lay down guidelines for the education of these persons. This lecture presents details on the necessary education of animal caretakers, persons carrying out or responsible for directing animal experiments, and animal welfare officers. D3: Incorporating Animal Alternatives in a Training Program in Laboratory Animal Care and Use Training is essential for laboratory animal workers. Many of the trainees have little or no experience with animals, especially rodents. Cultural or family attitudes and fear of certain animals may predispose the trainees to anxiety prior to working with some species. In addition, most trainees are concerned that they might cause pain for the animals. This workshop will describe and demonstrate a number of methods that can enhance the training process. The methods include affordable models. A useful model provides an opportunity for trainees to develop hand-eye coordination skills that can be applied to animal procedures. The use of models can be useful in evaluating the trainees before proceeding to the next step. The objective is to minimize pain and distress in the animals when the trainees begin working with live animals. The use of models in training is also a reminder to all trainees of our commitment to the development of alternatives.
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