By Anonymous
One group of staff who are critical to the essential ongoing research during this pandemic, including that directly related to COVID-19, are of course the staff of the many units who ensure the welfare and care of all the research animals. This vital role often does not get the recognition it deserves. However now is an opportunity to raise the profile of the animal technicians concerned!
During the whole period of shutdown, only essential research has been continued here at the university. This has included some long running experiments, time-specific experiments, for example on fertility and seasonal breeding, and those for which there are imminent deadlines for external sponsors. We made the decision during the preparations for cessation of on-site research activity that experimental protocols that were already running should not be stopped prematurely, in line with requirements to ensure the effective and maximal data collection from experiments with animals. No new non-essential protocols have been started since lockdown, but all ongoing protocols and data collections were completed, while ensuring the safety of all animal welfare staff and researchers.
Since lockdown the animal facilities have been staffed on a 7 day per week basis to ensure that animal welfare has been maintained to the high standards of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act. Despite the daily challenges of living and working through the pandemic, the staff here have conducted their professional duties in an exemplary manner. Their response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been a fantastic team effort by all involved. This is truly appreciated by the university research community and we want to recognise these important, unsung members of the university for their constant efforts in supporting research and maintaining animal welfare.