How open science can support the 3Rs and improve animal research

Abstract

Open science in its broadest sense can make better science and provide benefits to researchers. When applied to animal experimentation, it can prevent unnecessary use of animals, because knowledge and experiences about past animal experimentation are shared openly to be consulted and used by other researchers. By extension, open science can accelerate the much anticipated transition towards animal-free innovations or New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). The purpose of this paper is to bring together and further share the preparations and findings of a symposium held at Utrecht University on aspects of open science that researchers doing animal experiments can and should take into account to improve their research and benefit themselves. The paper offers a one-figure guideline for that purpose.