FENS joins EARA to support the responsible use of animals in research

“Knowledge generated by neuroscience research using experimental animals, besides providing fundamental knowledge about brain function has also led to many important advances in the understanding and treatment of diseases that affect the nervous system, like the use of deep brain stimulation for treatment of Parkinson’s disease” states Monica Di Luca, FENS President.

Kirk Leech, EARA Executive Director, continues: “Animal studies provide opportunities for understanding mental and neurological illnesses that affect millions of European citizens, and to make an earlier diagnosis, and therefore earlier treatment, which would benefit millions of patients in Europe. We applaud the role model that FENS undertakes for biomedical progress with their decision of joining EARA”.

Neuroscience relies on non-animal and animal models to understand complex brain processes that would otherwise be impossible to decode. The decision to use an animal model, which species of animal to use and which procedures to employ, is only taken after balancing the likely scientific gains, particularly for human and animal welfare. 

 Access the full media release.