Research
Research in the Centre is highly interdisciplinary and is supported through a variety of national and international funders. The Centre has extensive international experience in four key areas: (1) animals and humans in the laboratory, (2) agri-food and energy production, (3) animals and society, and (4) ethical tools including the Ethical Matrix
(1) Animals and humans in the laboratory
| Animal disease (NADIR) EU funding (2009-2013) The Network of Animal Disease Infectiology Research Facilities (NADIR) brings together 14 European laboratories in order to, amongst other things, optimise their investigation and diagnostic/validation tools, achieve economies of scale and use the resources saved to modernise existing facilities in a coordinated manner. Researchers at the Centre are contributing to work packages designed to strengthen the sharing of knowledge, map best practice and embed consideration of ethical issues. (Please contact kate.millar@nottingham.ac.uk) |
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Dog Genomics (LUPA)
EU funding (2008-2012)
The EU project LUPA uses the dog genome to piece together the puzzle of human genetic disorders. The project, named after the she-wolf that according to Roman mythology cared for the twin founders of Rome is backed by EUR 12 million, involves scientists in 12 countries and will run until 2012. The CAB is employing the Ethical Matrix to encourage systematic consideration of the ethical issues raised for different stakeholders by the research. (Please contact kate.millar@nottingham.ac.uk or pru.hobson-west@nottingham.ac.uk)
Ethics and extremism: The use of animals in biomedical science
Wellcome Trust (2006-2009)
This project investigated the use of ethical and other arguments by stakeholders in the UK animal research debate. The empirical work involved interviews with researchers who use animals, and with funders, supporters, and critical groups. Publications from this work contribute to debates about animals and society, empirical ethics, and the role of public opinion (please contact pru.hobson-west@nottingham.ac.uk for a 2 page project summary)
Stem cells
EU (2006-2010)- Advisory Role
Dr Kate Millar sits on the advisory board of the European project called ESTOOLS. This project seeks to advance our understanding of the fundamental science of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stems cells.
(Please contact kate.millar@nottingham.ac.uk)
Ethical Review Processes in biomedical research using animals
(Wellcome Trust 2007-2010)
This project involves a study of ERPs in the UK. More specifically, it explores the role of lay members involved in this process. The project involves qualitative interviews and observation. For more information please contact Kathleen Job or Pru Hobson-West for more information.
| The Use of Primates in Biomedical Science (FRAME 2007-2012) This project explores the issue of primate use in the UK and explores the question of whether and how a reduction in primate use is feasible. It focuses on two disease case studies and utilises qualitative interviews with laboratory scientists. Please contact Michelle Hudson or Pru Hobson-West for more information. |
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Animals and the making of scientific knowledge
(Leverhulme Funding 2012-2017)
Using animals as laboratory models is a key route through which scientific knowledge is produced. Concerns over public accountability have resulted in innovations in governance, such as the use of lay members in local Ethical Review Processes, and the online publication of research abstracts by the Home Office (HO). However, a new European Directive will shortly come into force which has the potential to reopen some aspects of the UK animal research debate. This project will focus on the public consultation launched by the Home Office to explore: To what extent does legislative change and democratic consultation open up the black box of animal research, and how are definitions of ‘science’, ‘politics’ (and ethics) reconfigured in this process? This project is part of a larger programme of research entitled ‘Making Science Public: Challenges and Opportunities’.
(Please contact Pru.Hobson-West@nottingham.ac.uk)
(2) Agri-Food and Energy Production
| Biofuels (BBSRC 2009-2014) The University of Nottingham is to lead the way in the development of sustainable bioenergy fuels which use non-food crops, such as willow, industrial and agricultural waste products and inedible parts of crops, such as straw, so do not take products out of the food chain. The CAB and the Institute for Science and Society will lead the social and ethical theme of two of six research projects being run by the University of Nottingham for the national £27m BBSRC Sustainable Bioenergy Centre. This is the biggest ever single UK public investment in bioenergy research. (Please contact kate.millar@nottingham.ac.uk) |
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Inclusion of Transgenic Animals in the food chain: Science, Utility and Society (PEGASUS)
(EU 2009-2012)
PEGASUS is examining the development, implementation and commercialisation of GM animals, and derivative foods and pharmaceutical products. The outcomes of this project are intended to provide policy support to regulators and other policy makers. The Centre team is running a workpackage on the ethical issues raised by the development and use of transgenic animals. This work will include organising a number of stakeholder workshops in 2011.
Genomics, animal health and food safety
(EU 2007-2008)
The European Disease Genomics Network of Excellence for Animal Health and Food Safety (EADGENE) aims to coordinate a genomics approach to the unravelling of the host-pathogen interactions in domestic livestock. EADGENE allows groups of Network participants to engage in structured discussion about EADGENE related ethical and societal issues based on the use of a modified Ethical Matrix first developed in Nottingham by Professor Mepham. (Please contact kate.millar@nottingham.ac.uk)
(3) Animals and Society
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Companion animal obesity: People, parks and pets Masterfoods Bursary (2007) A project team from School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Biosciences and the Institute for Science and Society ran an explorative study examining the relationship between dog ownership, obesity, physical activity levels and perceived access and quality of open space. This work was involved interviews with owners of obese and non-obese dogs. (Please contact kate.millar@nottingham.ac.uk or pru.hobson-west@nottingham.ac.uk) |
Research frontiers in animals and society
School of Biosciences and SVMS (2010-2011)
This project involves scoping of the current literature on animals and society and is supported by two Schools. Please contact Nick Wright for more details
(4) Ethical tools
Ethical biotechnology tools
EU FP7 (2003-2005)
Project to develop ethical frameworks to aid public and private decision-making relating to agriculture and food. This website presents the results of the project Ethical Bio-TA Tools which was part of the Quality of Life Programme. (Please contact kate.millar@nottingham.ac.uk).