Journal
SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY & HUMAN VALUES
Volume 43, Issue 4, Pages 694-722Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
DOI: 10.1177/0162243917718066
Keywords
ethics; engagement; intervention; expertise; politics; power; governance
Categories
Funding
- Wellcome Small Grant [WT100899]
- Animal in Science Education Trust (ASET)
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The biomedical industry relies on the skills of animal technologists (ATs) to put laboratory animal welfare into practice. This is the first study to explore how this is achieved in relation to their participation in implementing refinement and reduction, two of the three key guiding ethical principles--the 3Rs--of what is deemed to be humane animal experimentation. The interpretative approach contributes to emerging work within the social sciences and humanities exploring care and ethics in practice. Based on qualitative analysis of participant observation within animal research facilities in UK universities, in-depth interviews with ATs, facility managers, and other stakeholders, and analysis of regulatory guidelines, we draw a contrast between the minimum required of ATs by law and how their care work not only meets but often exceeds these requirements. We outline how ATs constitute a key source of innovation and insight into the refinement of animal care and the reduction of animal use, hitherto not formally acknowledged. Exploring AT care work as an example of ethics in practice makes an original contribution to broader debates within health care and animal welfare about how technology, regulation, and behavior can foster and sustain a culture of care.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available