This section of the website contains basic information about the importance of animal research for the improvement of human and animal health, the diseases we investigate and why, the types of nonhuman primates at the center, and a variety of other information about what we do.

TULANE UNIVERSITY STATEMENT ON ANIMAL RESEARCH

The mission of Tulane University is to create and communicate knowledge that enriches and sustains individuals, organizations, and communities. Scientific and biomedical investigations, which often involve animals, are a core part of the research portfolio of the university.

Tulane requires that research animals be treated in an ethically responsible way and with compassion and dignity. The university respects and accepts the moral and ethical implications of using animals in research, and it is committed to being compliant with all government regulations pertaining to animal research. It adheres to the tenets of W.M.S. Russell and R.L. Burch* that call for the refinement of experimental methods, the reduction of pain and distress experienced by test subjects, the minimization of the number of animals used in research where consistent with sound experimental design, and the replacement of animals with non-animal experimental methods wherever feasible.

While the university is diligent in pursuing alternatives, certain experiments requiring animals are vital to the advancement of knowledge that benefits both animals and humans.

The university is also committed to protecting and preserving the rights of individuals who use animals in their experiments. Tulane insists that its researchers be accorded respect and that they be able to pursue their work in an environment free from harassment, intimidation, and violence.

*The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique, W.M.S. Russell and R.L. Burch, Metheun London, 1959

Animal Research Helps People and Animals. Virtually everyone alive today has benefited from the medical advances made possible through animal research.
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