The talk titled “Silent Partners of Science: Laboratory Animals” organized by Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Science Communication Coordination was held with a large audience participation. The event addressed the stages of scientific research conducted with laboratory animals, its ethical dimension, and laboratory processes.
Dr. Simge Garlı, the Responsible Veterinarian of MAKÜ Laboratory Animals Application and Research Center, who participated as a speaker, shared the scientific journey of experimental research from the idea stage to ethical committee processes and application with the participants. Dr. Garlı emphasized that scientific studies start with the right questions and stated that no experimental study can be conducted without the approval of the ethical committee.
During the event, information was also provided about daily practices conducted in laboratory animal laboratories and animal welfare processes. Dr. Garlı noted that laboratory work is not only about experimental applications, emphasizing that the health status of animals is continuously monitored and their welfare is prioritized.
The talk also touched upon the 3R principle, which includes the “Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement” principles that form the basis of international standards in the use of laboratory animals. Dr. Garlı expressed that their aim in scientific research is to achieve the most accurate and reliable results with the least number of animals.
The event, which continued interactively with a question-and-answer session, provided students the opportunity to ask questions they were curious about regarding the use of laboratory animals, alternative methods, and career opportunities in this field.
It was emphasized during the event that many of the drugs and treatment methods used today have been developed thanks to experimental research, and that scientific progress can be sustained within the framework of ethical rules.
