ADVANCES IN REFINEMENT IN ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION OVER THE PAST 25 YEARS

This article describes, from a personal viewpoint, some of the major a dvances in refinement in animal experimentation over the past 25-35 ye ars. It is written mainly from a UK perspective. Aspects of public per ception and policy, education and training, and the competence of thos e involved in animal research. are commented upon. Recognition of adve rse effects on animals is seen as the key to the refinement of animal experimentation. Elaboration on, and examples of, this theme are given by referring to refinements in animal husbandry and experimental tech nique. A brief look forward to the changes that may occur in the next 25 years is also included.