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About the International Forum
The pace of scientific discovery, the economic well-being of the research enterprise and, ultimately, the future health of people and animals are at risk on a global scale. Opponents around the world attempt to stop research that must involve animals, despite the far reaching consequences and regardless of how humanely that research is conducted. A wide range of ever-evolving tactics are employed: media campaigns perpetuating flawed logic to influence public opinion; lobbying for further costly but unnecessary legal restrictions; and relentless protests–protests that often go far beyond the lawful exercise of free speech. Intolerable criminal acts such as firebombing, arson and other extreme fear-producing protests are occurring. Today’s extremists seek to stigmatize, intimidate or physically threaten scientists, their families and anyone with whom they do business directly or indirectly. Some of their actions amount to extortion and others can only be called terrorism.
Therefore, a groundbreaking meeting has been called to explore these threats with the goal of providing a safer and more supportive environment in which biomedical research can thrive. International leaders are coming together to consider the merits and limits of greater cooperation among global stakeholders pursuing scientific discovery through animal research. Attendees will share strategies and first-hand experience as well as craft solutions, including tools and actions needed to educate the public about responsible research and its benefits.
COMMUNICATION and COLLABORATION: An International Forum for Animal Research Policy taking place in Washington, DC on June 24 and 25, 2008, was conceived and is being organized by ten organizations dedicated to increased understanding and support for animal research that is humane, necessary and medically valuable. They are:
- Americans for Medical Progress (United States)
- Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (United Kingdom)
- Canadians for Health Research (Canada)
- Coalition for Medical Progress (United Kingdom)
- Foundation for Biomedical Research (United States)
- Groupe Interprofessionnel de Réflexion et de Communication sur la Recherche (France)
- National Association for Biomedical Research (United States)
- Pro Forschung (Germany)
- Research Defence Society (United Kingdom)
- Stichting Informatie Dierproeven (Netherlands)
*Please note a username and password are required to access the secure area. To obtain a username and password, please contact info@animalresearchforum.org.
