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Experimental design reduces animal numbers and yields better data

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Latest FRAME Training School in Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis

Registration for the next FRAME Training School in Experimental Design and Statistics closes next week. (February 17)

Although FRAME’s ultimate vision is a world where the default position in biosciences is to use non-animal methods it acknowledges that animal experiments do take place, and campaigns to reduce the numbers involved.

In their 1959 book The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique, William Russell and Rex Burch identified that the way in which reduction in laboratory animal use can most effectively be achieved is by rigorous experimental design and appropriate statistical analysis of any results.

To help promote those ideals FRAME runs regular training schools in experimental design and statistics. The schools were launched in 2008 and at least one a year has been held since then, in various venues across the UK, Europe and Scandinavia.

The next school will take place at the University of Coimbra, Portugal from 30 March to 1 April inclusive. The cost, £256/330€, includes all tuition, course materials, lunch, dinner, and tea and coffee breaks. Accommodation can be arranged separately. 

Through a series of lectures, workshops, computer sessions, discussions and exercises the course will demonstrate how to set up experiments to minimise animal use and how to analyse the data to extract maximum information.

Topics to be covered include:

  • The Three Rs, legal and ethical aspects.
  • Costs of poor design.
  • Common failings.
  • Simulating experiments and the importance of controlling variability.
  • Finding design faults.
  • Planning an experimental programme.

The event qualifies for 10 CPD accreditation points from LASA UK.

Full details and booking form can be found by clicking here

FRAME

Anne Jeffery  (Communications organiser) 

96-98 North Sherwood Street
Nottingham
NG1 4EE

0115 958 4740 

FRAME is the Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments.

It promotes the replacement of laboratory animals with non-animal methods, through better science. 

Its ultimate aim is the elimination of the need to use laboratory animals in any kind of scientific or medical procedures. 

Tags:

animal experiments Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments Three Rs Ethical Research laboratory animals Scientific Procedures Reduction

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Quotes

The way in which reduction in laboratory animal use can most effectively be achieved is by rigorous experimental design and appropriate statistical analysis of any results.
Russell & Burch (The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique)