Journal publication policies

Scientific journals are instrumental in the communication of information to scientists and other interested parties around the world. Particularly important with respect to animal research is the publication and dissemination of information on the 3Rs.

The RSPCA believes that by developing journal publication policies, significant advances for animal welfare and the quality of science can be made. This is discussed in a recent published article: Reporting animal research - worthy of a rethink? (2011) (PDF 83.5KB)

Our work with journal editors and publishing organisations has received a positive and enthusiastic response, resulting in a leaflet outlining what we believe journal publication policies should include, together with an illustrative example: Editorial policies of scientific journals regarding the use of animals (2009) (PDF 1.06MB)

The research animals department also undertakes an annual survey of journal publication policies relating to the use of animals in research to assess whether, and how well, these issues are being addressed. Further information, and results from a review of the data for the four-year period that the project has so far been established, can be found here: Survey of scientific journal editorial policies and guidelines (2005-2009) (PDF 240KB)

A paper discussing the full results of our first year's survey in the context of previously published work in this area has been published in the American Journal of Bioethics: Journal editorial policies, animal welfare and the 3Rs (2009) (PDF 146KB)