Opening the doors on animal testing

UK animal researchers have signed a pledge to be transparent about the nature of their experiments.

The Concordat on Openness on Animal Research has been signed by 72 organisations initially, including universities, bio-industry companies, charities and research councils.

The scientific community has long recognised the need to engage with the public about animal research, but many held back for fear of being targeted by those opposed to testing.

The hope is that better information about when, how and why animals are used for research will help the public decide about the costs and benefits of animal experiments.

In a self-authored film for BBC Newsnight, surgeon Gabriel Weston considers the pros and cons of testing, is given access to a medical research facility and examines the alternatives to using animals.