Qualitative and quantitative survey on the use of nonhuman animals in laboratory experiments at the Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu

• Grant number: 12/06030-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2012
• End date: December 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Animal Behavior
• Principal Investigator: Stelio Pacca Loureiro Luna
• Grantee: Ana Elisa Sales Dourado
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Since ancient times, animals are widely used in Biomedical Sciences studies, and contemporary days, this practice is still widespread in the environment of the University Teaching and Research. In this context, along with the many contributions of these studies to the scientific advancement, there were also different techniques that allow an alternative to the use of these animals, which are results of the concern about the well-being conditions of the same. Thus, this study aims to ascertain the views of teachers of Biology in Universidade Estadual Paulista, campus of Botucatu-SP, about the use of laboratory animals in scientific area, asking them about their knowledge of replacement methods. Data collection will be performed using a questionnaire applied to teachers who taught lessons for Biology classes in order to reach all the course subjects. Using the questionnaires answers, data will be analyzed in order to account the percentage of teachers who use laboratory animals in their research, find acceptance or resistance relative to the use of replacement methods and their viability and also know the reasons why some researchers abandoned the use of animals in their experiments. Moreover, by the results obtained, it is intended to encourage reflection within a moral and ethical perspective - essential in scientific work - and also ponder the need for greater awareness of teachers about the matter, which would imply a more fair science. (AU)