ISTA Statement
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) strives to be one of the world leaders in basic research focusing on natural and formal science. In order to get a better understanding of fundamental processes in the fields of neuroscience, immunology, or genetics, the use of animals in research is essential.
Besides keeping the legal requirements, minimizing the potential harm of animals on the one hand and increasing scientific knowledge on the other hand is a challenge. To fullfil the ethical responsibility, ISTA has established an Ethical Committee, which evaluates all aspects of experimental research with animals.
ISTA insistantly commits to the directive 2010/63 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes of the European Parliament and the Council. Additionally ISTA keeps the 3Rs priniciple by Russel and Burch as a mandatory standard.
3Rs principle
- Replacement:
Preferred use of non-animal methods over animal methods whenever it is possible to achieve the same scientific aims - Reduction:
Use of methods that enable researchers to obtain comparable levels of information from fewer animals, or to obtain more information from the same number of animals - Refinement:
Use of methods that alleviate or minimize potential pain, suffering or distress, and enhance animal welfare for the animals used
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