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A film about animal research at the University of Cambridge, showing how scientists use mice to study cancer, has received the 2015 Openness Award in the category of Website or Use of New Media at an awards ceremony last night in London.

The film was released in April 2015 to coincide with World Day for Animals in Laboratories with the aim of exploring inside an animal research facility. As well as showing how animals are housed and looked after, the film examines how and why mice are important for helping us understand cancer, as well as looking at the search for ways to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals.

In May 2014, the University of Cambridge signed the Concordat on Openness about Animal Research, committing to be more open about the research that its researchers conduct. Animal research plays an essential role in our understanding of health and disease and in the development of modern medicines and surgical techniques. Without the use of animals, we would not have many of the modern medicines, antibiotics, vaccines and surgical techniques that we take for granted in both human and veterinary medicine.

Fighting cancer: Animal research at Cambridge, was produced by Jonny Settle, Film and Multimedia Manager at the University of Cambridge. When it was released earlier this year it was described by Wired as “frank”, while the Mirror described the film as “unprecedented”, saying that the university “tells it straight” about its animal research.  To date, the film has been viewed more than 13,000 times.

Craig Brierley, Head of Research Communications at the University of Cambridge, said: “We’re delighted to have received this award. It recognises the major steps that Cambridge has made in being open about its work. Animal research relies on public support, and this film forms just part of the resources we have made available on our website to help inform public debate on this issue.

“The film was a real team effort and would not have been possible without the help and support of researchers and staff, to whom we’re extremely grateful.”

The award was presented by Sir Mark Walport, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government, at an awards ceremony held at Wellcome Collection, London. Other winners included the University of Leicester for its public engagement activities, King’s College London for media engagement and Agenda Resource Management for internal/sector engagement. 

Date awarded

07 December 2015

Subjects

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