The Perceptions of Students and Lecturers on the Use of Animals in Biomedical Science Undergraduate Education in Brazil

Abstract

The use of animals in research and education is a controversial topic that has raised extensive debates. Undergraduate students (n = 404) and lecturers (n = 62) from biomedical science schools at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG) in the municipality of Goiânia, Jataí and Catalão, Goiás, Brazil, were asked about their knowledge and opinions on bioethics, the use and importance of animals in education, the replacement of animal use with non-animal alternatives, and the current legislation of the National Council for the Control of Animal Experimentation (CONCEA) that bans animal use in some practical classes within technical and higher education (i.e. Resolution No. 53/2021). Most students and lecturers agreed not only that animal use can contribute to education, but also that it is important to replace this animal use with innovative non-animal alternatives where appropriate. The lecturers emphasised that the replacement of animal models will be possible only with the provision of appropriate training to improve the skills of educators in their use, as well as ensuring reliable access to suitable facilities and materials.