‘Animal research is still a vital piece of the jigsaw that is needed for us to advance drug development and medicine and understand the mechanisms of diseases. While there has been a lot of progress in the last 10 years using computer modelling, cell lines and organoids, there is still no full replacement for animal research,’ said Dr Rowlands. ‘Currently, the CCMR serves researchers not only in medicine but also in dentistry, engineering, science and social sciences. Its work advances studies across numerous disciplines, such as cancer, infectious diseases, cardiology, diabetes, immunology, neurobiology, and biomedical engineering,’ he elaborated. Dr Rowlands has been working in animal research laboratories for nearly three decades, an experience that has shown him that the only way to get reliable and impactful results is by ensuring the animals in science are kept healthy, well-fed and allowed to lead an enriched life as possible. There are international standards to ensure this through AAALAC International, a global accreditation body for ensuring the welfare of animals in research. The CCMR was the first in Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, China to be accredited in 2005―20 years ago―and, in a sign of Asia’s growing importance in the field, Dr Rowlands became the first Council President of the organisation in 2024/25 from outside North America. The CCMR has animal welfare as its guiding principle and works with the Committee for the Use of Live Animals in Teaching and Research, which reviews every animal use at HKU with reference to a robust ethics protocol that evaluates the welfare impacts and potential scientific benefit of the research. ‘Basically, we want to make sure that the animal work is justified and that the animals’ welfare is ensured. Our aim is to minimise the use of animals as far as possible, whilst maintaining robust science,’ Dr Rowlands said. FEATURE+ 22
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