BPRC receives award!

During the “Biotechnical Days”, that took place between 6^th and 8^th  November  2007 at the Leeuwenhorst in Noordwijkerhout, it was announced that four animal caretakers from the Animal Science Department had been chosen for the prestigious “Award for Alternatives”. 
The caretakers were nominated following their efforts to enhance the conditions under which the non-human primates at BPRC are maintained.  The award was presented by Professor Frauke Ohl, who holds the chair for Laboratory Animal Science at the University of Utrecht.

This important award, besides being a reason for celebration in itself, also serves as recognition of the welfare policies adopted by BPRC. BPRC would like to thank all those directly or indirectly involved in improving the lives of the monkeys over recent years.

The Award for Alternatives (comprising a money prize and a certificate) is organised under te auspices of ZONMW and is open to animal caretakers, biotechnicians or technicians who have contributed in a special way to the implementation of the 3 Rs (Replacement, Reduction or Refinement ) in the use of laboratory animals.

The Committee PAD, set up by the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, makes the award following careful inspection of reports submitted on behalf of those selected for consideration.

The award may be presented to a single person or to a group either for an initiative or for practical work that has resulted in:

-       Replacement of laboratory animals;
-       Reduction in the number of animals required to reach a given objective;
-       Refinement of research or a technique, leading to reduced discomfort or to better living conditions for laboratory animals, such as: housing, feeding or other zootechnical aspects.