SfN Awarded Funding to Advance Understanding of Animal Research
SFN AWARDED FUNDING TO ADVANCE UNDERSTANDING OF ANIMAL RESEARCH
Interactive online project will be supported by the Esther A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fund, Inc.
Washington, DC — The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) has been awarded $180,000 in funding to launch the Engaging the Public about Animal Research (EPAR) project, which aims to expand public awareness about the vital role of animal research in scientific and medical progress. The funding, provided over three years by the Esther A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fund, Inc., will go toward creating online educational resources geared toward key audiences and the general public.
Resources created through the project will be housed on BrainFacts.org, a public information initiative of The Kavli Foundation, The Gatsby Charitable Foundation, and the Society for Neuroscience, scheduled to launch in spring 2012.
“This project recognizes the inextricable link between animal research and scientific findings that advance science and improve human health,” said SfN President Susan Amara, PhD. “Too often, inadequate information — and misinformation — surrounding the use of animals in research leads to misunderstanding. The project will foster public awareness that animal research is critical to discovery and medical progress, and help the public understand that we as scientists conduct our work within highly-structured guidelines for humane and compassionate care. We are deeply committed to the responsible use of animals in research,” Amara said.
Animal models are vital and irreplaceable for scientific progress and in combating the devastation of human neurological and psychiatric diseases, which affect more than 1 billion people worldwide, and for improving veterinary health. As scientists pursue these advances, they strive to replace and reduce the number of animals wherever scientifically justifiable, and continuously refine experimental procedures to improve animal welfare. EPAR builds on SfN’s commitment to provide facts, dispel myths, and promote dialogue with the public, educators, and policymakers on a range of neuroscience topics.
“The Klingenstein Fund is committed to supporting basic or clinical research that may lead to a better understanding of neurological and psychiatric disorders. That work depends on the responsible use of animals in research, as well as the development of many other models and mechanisms. We are pleased to be working with SfN to enhance public awareness about role of responsible animal research,” said John Klingenstein, president of the Klingenstein Fund.
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The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) is a nonprofit membership organization of scientists and physicians who study the brain and nervous system. Since its inception in 1969, the Society has grown from 500 members to more than 41,000. Today, SfN is the world's largest organization of scientists and physicians devoted to advancing understanding of the brain and nervous system.
The Esther A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fund was established in 1946 by Esther and Joseph Klingenstein as a vehicle for expressing their personal philanthropic interests. The Fund’s interests have broadened in recent years, with the majority of its resources devoted to neuroscience and independent school education.