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Mark your calendar SOT Annual Meeting March 11–15, 2012.

The Use of Animals in Research

Research involving laboratory animals is necessary to ensure and enhance human and animal health and to protect the environment. In the absence of human data, research with experimental animals (in concert with relevant in vitro data) is the most reliable methodology to detect important toxic properties of chemical substances and to estimate risks to human and environmental health. The SOT has established various committees and task forces since 1981 to ensure that SOT scientists using animals are doing so in accordance with all federal laws.

The Society of Toxicology is dedicated to the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge that improves the health and safety of humans and animals and the protection of the environment.

To fulfill this objective, the Society is committed to:

The design and conduct of the best possible scientific research;
The responsible use of laboratory animals in toxicological research and testing as necessary and vital to ensure and enhance the quality of human, animal health, and the environment;
The development and use of alternatives to the use of animals;
The use of research designs that employ less painful or stressful procedures and improve animal care; and
A reduction in the number of animals used for research and testing when this is scientifically appropriate and valid.

The following selection of materials details more about SOT’s commitment to the effective and humane use of animals in research.

The Importance of Animals in the Science of Toxicology Brochure

This brochure explains how toxicology research using animals protects human health and the environment.

AIR Brochure On-Line

Table of Contents

Printable AIR Brochure

AIR Awards and Special Recognition

Contributions to Public Awareness of the Importance of Animals in Toxicology Research Award—This award is presented to an individual or organization for contributions to public understanding of the necessity of the use of animals in toxicological research to ensure and enhance the quality of human and animal health and the environment.
Enhancement of Animal Welfare Award—This recognition is awarded to a SOT member for contributions made to advance toxicology through the development and application of methods that replace, refine, or reduce the need for experimental animals.

Enhancement of Animal Welfare Award Guidelines
Colgate-Palmolive In Vitro Lecture—The goal of the In Vitro Lecture series for students and postdocs at the SOT Annual Meeting is to feature important research using in vitro and alternative techniques to study basic mechanisms, and to illustrate how these test methods benefit animal welfare by refining and reducing animal use.

Past SOT Annual Meeting Colgate-Palmolive In Vitro Lectures

References Related to AIR

Resources, Links, and Policy Statements of Other Professional Societies

Messaging Guide for Scientists Discussing Humane, Responsible Animal Research

SOT —Dedicated to Creating a Safer and Healthier World Through the Advancement of Science.