by European Brain Council
Animal research is a current policy hot topic, particularly due to a European Citizens’ Initiative calling for a complete ban of using animals in science, which is premature especially for biomedical research, which lacks viable alternatives.
The European Brain Council (EBC) issued a Statement on animal research, followed by a Pledge for Science calling upon national, EU and international policymakers to support the development of a European Brain Research and Innovation Plan, combining research and public health initiatives to address brain function and disorders in a comprehensive, collaborative and innovative way. For now, more than 45 European organisations and 3,300 signatures have been gathered, amongst which are several MEPs.
Although some progress has been made using alternatives, most of what can be learned about the brain still depends directly, or indirectly, on research in animal models.
It is estimated that 179 million Europeans live with a brain condition, neurological and mental alike. The cost of all brain disorders is estimated at over €800 billion per year — a figure that is on a steady rise.
We must therefore address this burden of brain disorders now through all possible means. Brain research and innovation in particular must be recognised, more than ever, as a health and research priority in the EU.
Join the community’s calls for a European Brain Research and Innovation Plan.
Support the pledge: bit.ly/3Ic6WG7
