Auckland University Win Animal Welfare Award
A collaboration of University of Auckland departments has been recognised for its significant contribution to reducing
and refining the way animals are used for scientific research worldwide. The group has received the 2013 National Animal
Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) Three Rs award, sponsored by the Royal New Zealand SPCA.
The Circulatory Control Laboratory from the Department of Physiology and the Auckland Bioengineering Institute’s
Implantable Devices Group won the award for their development and validation of a number of wireless physiological
monitoring tools, says NAEAC chairperson Dr Virginia Williams.
“The concept of the Three Rs is to replace live animal subjects, reduce the number of animals used and refine
experimental techniques to minimise pain and distress. The team’s work demonstrates two of these principles. The
impressive technology developed in New Zealand enables refinements through reduced need for handling the animals, and
reductions in animal usage worldwide. Use of animals in science is only acceptable if all efforts are made to minimise
harm or suffering,” says Dr Williams.
The team’s telemetry devices allow remote and continuous monitoring of signals such as blood pressure and heart
activity. In addition to use in the team’s own research work, the technology has been commercialized through Millar
Instruments, -exported to over 30 countries, and is now used in some of the world’s major pharmaceutical companies.
The national award is co-ordinated by NAEAC and is made annually to an individual, group or institution within New
Zealand that epitomises best practice with regard to the Three Rs.
NAEAC Deputy Chair Professor Martin Kennedy presented the award to team member Dr Sarah-Jane Guild at a function last
night.
ENDS