WS5 - Bridging the Communication Gap Between Research Investigators, Veterinarians, and Animal Care Staff in Animal Research Programs

Effective collaboration between research investigators, veterinarians, and animal care staff is crucial for biomedical success and animal welfare alike. However, communication gaps between these parties are unfortunately common, leading to misunderstandings, inefficiencies, and potential welfare concerns for research animals. Investigators may not fully understand veterinary recommendations, while animal care staff may lack insight into research objectives, leading to conflicts in protocol implementation. This session will explore the reasons for this communication gap while offering strategies to foster mutual understanding, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance animal welfare while improving research outcomes.