Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UAR Oceania Asia Network?
UAR Oceania’s Asia Network is a network of Asian life science organisations, committed to enhancing communication about their use of animals in research. The Network is part of UAR Oceania, but has been developed specifically for the many and diverse scientific communities across Asia, to encourage best practice when engaging with the public about animal research. To read more information about UAR Oceania, why it was developed, and how it supports openness and animal welfare, please visit the About area.
Are Members of UAR Oceania or UAR part of the UAR Oceania Asia Network?
UAR Oceania was established in 2022 to provide specific support for communication about how and why animals are needed for scientific research for Australia, New Zealand and the other countries of Oceania. Its members include universities, medical research institutes, commercial companies, peak bodies and societies from across the life science sector. UAR Oceania is a membership organisation, and the founder members of the Asia Network are UAR Oceania from Asian Countries, who wanted to provide support and resources that are better suited to life-science organisations in Asia.
Why do we need open communications on animal research in Asia?
There are many misconceptions surrounding animal research, due to the historic culture of secrecy, and the misleading nature of some communications. Research from Understanding Animal Research, carried out in 2013, which showed that people are supportive of more open and transparent communications on the use of animals in research, has now been replicated around the world. The Concordat on Openness on Animal Research, launched on 14 May 2014 by Understanding Animal Research, has given rise to ten further openness agreements globally that address this gap, but there are currently on such agreements in place in Asia.
Who runs the UAR Oceania Asia Network?
The UAR Oceania Asia Network is part of Understanding Animal Research. It offers a cost-effective alternative to membership of UAR Oceania for organisations based in lower-income countries, so they can benefit from UAR Oceania’s network and resources around communications, openness and care in animal research. UAR Oceania’s Asia Network offers curated resources, member webinars and the option to promote relevant events within the network. Network members have the option to appoint a country representative to the Asia Network Oversight Group which helps determine the structure and focus of the Network.
How can my organisation join the UAR Oceania Asia Network?
AAALAC Accredited Organisations in Asian countries are eligible to join the UAR Oceania Asia Network. If you wish to join the Asia Network, represent a Laboratory Animal Science Association or a non-AAALAC Accredited organisation, your application must be supported by a current UAR Oceania member or UAR Oceania Asia Network member. When you join, you will need to state which current member supports your application, and they will be contacted to verify your membership.
You can join the UAR Oceania Asia Network from the Join Us page.
What are the requirements for joining the UAR Oceania Asia Network?
To join the network your organisation must be based in an Asian country and be involved with animal research. This includes conducting or funding animal research or supporting your members who conduct or fund animal research. When you join the Network, you will need to provide a copy of your organisation’s logo, which will be added to this website.
Are there any costs associated with joining the UAR Oceania Asia Network?
Members of Understanding Animal Research Oceania with a presence in an Asian country are automatically eligible for Gold-tier membership of the UAR Oceania Asia Network. For organisations that would like to join, the annual fee is $ 500 USD, which can be paid as a single payment or by installments. This is a significant saving over UAR Oceania’s membership fees, and has been created to support access to information about animal research, where it would otherwise be unavailable. Bespoke sessions, tailored strategies around openness, speaker engagements and access to policy information or media support are only available to UAR Oceania Members. If you would like to find out how your organisation can become a member of UAR Oceania, please get in touch via the Contact Us area.
What are the benefits of joining the UAR Oceania Asia Network?
Joining the Network lets the public know that your organisation is committed to being open about its animal research and to shaping best practice when communicating about animal research. The UAR Oceania Asia Network aims to create greater understanding and acceptance of this particular area of research.
Network members may publicise their events through our event calendar, and will be invited to attend a monthly webinar on Openness or related topics. The post-webinar recording will also be available to Network members. You will have access to our resources about openness, and may chose to share your organisations’ achievements. Network members may nominate a representative to our Oversight group, to support good practice in communication for your country.
Network members may publicise their events through our event calendar, and will be invited to attend a monthly webinar on Openness or related topics. The post-webinar recording will also be available to Network members. You will have access to our resources about openness, and may chose to share your organisations’ achievements. Network members may nominate a representative to our Oversight group, to support good practice in communication for your country.
Can we promote the fact our organisation has joined the UAR Oceania Asia Network?
Absolutely! We encourage UAR Oceania Asia Network members to promote the fact they have signed up, whether this is in the form of all-staff communications, website statements, or social media. This helps the public to find out about animal research and helps our sector grow. We will support and share any posts you make about the Network on social media using #AnimalResearchNetwork
Do you have resources in languages other than English?
English is widely spoken in research, and so is our common development language, but we do have plans to create resources in more languages as the network grows. Which are prioritised will be shaped by the Network’s membership.