Keeping invertebrate research ethical in a landscape of shifting public opinion

Hart, Adam G ORCID: 0000-0002-4795-9986, Robinson, Elva J H and Drinkwater, Eleanor (2019) Keeping invertebrate research ethical in a landscape of shifting public opinion. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 10 (8). pp. 1265-1273. doi:10.1111/2041-210X.13208

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Abstract

Invertebrate study systems are cornerstones of biological and biomedical research, providing key insights into fields from genetics to behavioural ecology. Despite the widespread use of invertebrates in research there are very few ethical guidelines surrounding their use. Focussing on two ethical considerations faced during invertebrate studies – collecting methods and euthanasia ‐ we make recommendations for integrating principles of vertebrate research into invertebrate research practice. We argue, given emerging research on invertebrate cognition and shifting public perception on the use of invertebrates in research, it is vital that the scientific community revisits the ethics of invertebrate use in research. Without careful consideration and development of the ethics surrounding the use of invertebrates by the scientific community, there is a danger of losing public support. It is imperative that the public understand the significance of research that uses invertebrates and that scientists demonstrate their ethical treatment of their experimental subjects.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Ethics; Invertebrates; Public Perception; Animal Welfare
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics Q Science > QL Zoology Q Science > QL Zoology > QL360 Invertebrates Q Science > QL Zoology > QL360 Invertebrates > QL 461 Insects
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Place, Environment and Community
Depositing User:	Kate Greenaway
Date Deposited:	14 May 2019 15:24
Last Modified:	31 Aug 2023 08:58
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/6848

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