Sustainable education and training in laboratory animal science and ethics in low- and middle-income countries in Africa – challenges, successes, and the way forward

Virtual education isn’t new. Teaching has been delivered remotely for many years, although it came to prominence with the enforced move to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Technologies provide tools that are integral to our everyday lives, and training and assessment are no different. Stepping back from the obligatory remote delivery of practical skills training, now we have the opportunity to review and evaluate our own learning (as educators) about the value of resources for training delivery. Combining sound educational principles with the available technologies, we can use remotely delivered learning to enhance our teaching and to increase access to learning, without hindrance because of distance or the type of facility. Remote connections allow expertise and best practice to become suddenly available to a wider cohort of researchers, rapidly spreading new ideas about refinement of in vivo procedures and supporting colleagues to learn and develop. We currently use only a few of the technological tools available, and there is much to learn from other disciplines where virtual and augmented reality are assisting surgeons, aircraft pilots and others daily. By harnessing remote and assisted technologies in teaching, we can also develop the mindset and ability of the biomedical community to use them to augment, or even to replace, animal studies in future and to democratise training globally.

Section: Sustainabilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…45 Similar training in LAS for developing countries is offered through the University of Leeds’s excellent partnership programme. 44…”

Section: Sustainabilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Watching me … watching you: Training and assessment in a virtual world

Whitfield¹

2023

“…There is a need for ongoing discussions and engagement with stakeholders, including scientific organisations, regulators and institutions across Africa, to encourage the awareness, uptake and implementation of the Guidelines. The Pan-African Network for Laboratory Animal Science and Ethics (PAN-LASE), 5 in collaboration with key local, national and regional stakeholders, aims to drive this vision forward.…”

Section: Going Forwardmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The Pan-African Network for Laboratory Animal Sciences and Ethics (PAN-LASE) 5 was created in 2017 as a forum to develop human resources and capacity for the humane and ethical care and use of research animals across Africa. In addition to providing professional educational opportunities, it resolved to create guidelines for the establishment and functioning of Animal Ethics Committees (AECs), otherwise known as Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs), in Africa.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Guidelines for the establishment and functioning of Animal Ethics Commitees (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees) in Africa

Mohr,

Souilem,

Fahmy

et al. 2023

Self Cite

Animals are used for scientific purposes across Africa to benefit humans, animals or the environment. Nonetheless, ethical and regulatory oversight remains limited in many parts of the continent. To strengthen this governance framework, the Pan-African Network for Laboratory Animal Science and Ethics brought together experts from 12 African countries to create an Africa-centric practical guide to facilitate the establishment and appropriate functioning of Institutional Animal Ethics Committees across Africa. The Guidelines are based on universal principles for the care and use of sentient animals for scientific purposes, with consideration of the cultural, religious, political and socio-economic diversity in Africa. They focus on 11 key elements, including responsibilities of institutions and of the Institutional Official; composition of the Committee; its responsibilities, functioning and authority; ethical application and review processes; oversight and monitoring of animal care and use and of training and competence; quality assurance; and the roles of other responsible parties. The intent is for African institutions to adopt and adapt the guidelines, aligning with existing national legislation and standards where relevant, thus ensuring incorporation into practice. More broadly, the Guidelines form an essential component of the growing discourse in Africa regarding moral considerations of, and appropriate standards for, the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. The increased establishment of appropriately functioning animal ethics committees and robust ethical review procedures across Africa will enhance research quality and culture, strengthen societal awareness of animals as sentient beings, improve animal well-being, bolster standards of animal care and use, and contribute to sustainable socio-economic development.

“…By the hand of Bert Mohr et al., 11 we travel to Africa, where the Pan-African Network for Laboratory Animal Science and Ethics (PAN-LASE) has made substantial strides in embedding professional education and training in animal welfare and research ethics that embraces the rich cultureal, and political and socio-economic diversity that is Africa across the continent. The authors give their account of their main achievements and challenges, with lessons learned, to enable other resource constrained countries across the world to implement similar initiatives.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Education in laboratory animal science and the 3Rs

Franco

Kerton²,

Lewis

2023

Self Cite

While laboratory animal research continues to be crucial for scientific and medical advancement, it still raises relevant ethical considerations. In order to foster public trust and support, all animal use must be relevant, responsible, competent and humane, and education and training of scientists in laboratory animal science (LAS) is vital to achieve these goals. However, education must be effective in generating meaningful learning and promoting a culture of competence, professionalism, accountability and transparency. With the ongoing technological and pedagogical revolution in education, LAS educators are adopting innovative educational practices, including e-learning modules, interactive simulations and virtual reality tools, to create and deliver inspirational educational experiences that are immersive, interactive, learner-centric and effective. Drawing from their expertise and experience, the authors of the articles included in this special edition bring forward new technologies and approaches, as well as novel perspectives to well-established concepts and methodologies, hopefully valuable contributions for better engagement and improved learning on LAS and the 3Rs.