In the “Silent Partners of Science: Laboratory Animals” talk held at MAKÜ Science Cafe, the ethical dimensions of scientific research and laboratory processes were discussed. With the presentation of Responsible Veterinarian Dr. Simge Garlı, the event, which highlighted animal welfare and the "3R principle" aiming to achieve the most reliable result with the least number of animals, concluded with an interactive Q&A session attended by students.
The talk titled “Silent Partners of Science: Laboratory Animals” was held at MAKÜ Science Cafe by the Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Science Communication Coordination. The event addressed the stages of scientific research conducted with laboratory animals, its ethical dimension, and laboratory processes.
Dr. Simge Garlı, the Responsible Veterinarian of BURDUR MAKÜ Laboratory Animals Application and Research Center, participated as a speaker and shared the scientific journey from the idea stage of experimental research to the ethical committee processes and implementation with the participants. Dr. Garlı emphasized that scientific studies begin with the right questions and stated that no experimental study can be conducted without the approval of the ethical committee.
Information was also provided about the daily practices conducted in laboratory animal labs and animal welfare processes. Dr. Garlı noted that laboratory work is not only about experimental applications, emphasizing that the health status of the animals is continuously monitored and their welfare is prioritized.
The talk also touched upon the 3R principle, which includes the “Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement” principles forming the basis of international standards in the use of laboratory animals. Dr. Garlı expressed that their aim in scientific research is to achieve the most accurate and reliable results with the least number of animals.
The event continued interactively with a question-and-answer session where students had the opportunity to ask questions they were curious about regarding the use of laboratory animals, alternative methods, and career opportunities in this field.
It was emphasized during the event that many of the drugs and treatment methods used today have been developed thanks to experimental research, and that scientific progress can be sustained within the framework of ethical rules.
