HRI Conferences – Animal Experimentation Guidelines

Reporting research that involves animal experimentation

Authors submitting abstracts for consideration for HRI International Homeopathy Research Conferences must particularly ensure that their research complies with the commonly-accepted ‘3Rs’:

• Replacement of animals by alternatives wherever possible;
• Reduction in number of animals used;
• Refinement of experimental conditions and procedures to minimise the harm to animals.

In addition to passing scientific peer review, papers involving animal research will only be accepted if authors can confirm:

1. That the research conforms to the standards set out in EU Directive 2010/63/EU for animal experiments and there is clear indication in the manuscript that this is the case.
2. That the research proposal went through a process of ethical review prior to the study commencing; this must include a weighing of the likely adverse effects on the animals against the benefits likely to result from the work.
3. That the potential for application of the 3Rs was rigorously analysed prior to starting, and that every opportunity was taken during the course of the study to implement each of them; this includes analysis of alternative research strategies that could potentially be used to address the research question and that would not involve the use of animals.
4. That animal husbandry and care was in accordance with EU Directive 2010/63/EU for animal experiments.
5. That all individuals involved with the care and use of animals were trained and skilled to an acceptable level of competency, with euthanasia carried out according to contemporary best practice.
6. That appropriate anaesthesia and analgesia were used to minimise pain and distress, and humane end-points were defined and implemented where appropriate.