Gonzalez-Uarquin Fernando, Ferrara Fabienne, Baumgart Nadine, Baumgart Jan, Bischoff Sabine Juliane
TARCforce3R Center, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
Consulting and Training in Animal Research (ConscienceTrain), Berlin, Germany.
PLoS One. 2025 Sep 8;20(9):e0331675. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331675. eCollection 2025.
Early-career researchers (ECRs) play a key role in conducting animal experiments in academic research. However, they face considerable challenges, including poor working conditions, and inadequate strategies for managing distress. These difficulties are often amplified in animal research, where a lack of consensus on the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement), challenges to navigate complex regulations and ethical dilemmas can further complicate the situation. These challenges not only jeopardize the well-being of both animals and researchers, but also undermine the quality of scientific work, potentially driving ECRs out of academia. This paper explores the relationship between 3Rs training, communication, and stress-coping mechanisms used by ECRs in Germany and provides recommendations to address the challenges. To that end, we employed a dual-method approach: surveying ECRs to gather their perspectives on working with laboratory animals, communication challenges, and stress management, while also conducting a workshop to exchange insights with experienced professionals who engage with ECRs in their daily roles. Our results highlight the many difficulties faced by ECRs working on animal experiments, which range from organizational challenges to the practical implementation of the experiments. These insights emphasize the need for a holistic strategy that includes direct engagement with ECRs and the development of policies focused on their overall well-being. Our recommendations advocate for improved communication strategies, recognition of cultural differences, implementation of peer coaching and mentoring programs, and strengthening institutional support systems particularly with regard to the conduct of animal experiments. To conclude, this research calls for a transformative shift towards a more supportive and inclusive environment for ECRs, harmonizing scientific progress with ethical standards.
早期职业研究人员（ECRs）在学术研究中进行动物实验方面发挥着关键作用。然而，他们面临着诸多挑战，包括恶劣的工作条件以及应对压力的策略不足。这些困难在动物研究中往往会被放大，因为在3R原则（替代、减少和优化）上缺乏共识，应对复杂法规和伦理困境的挑战会使情况进一步复杂化。这些挑战不仅危及动物和研究人员的福祉，还会损害科学工作的质量，有可能将早期职业研究人员赶出学术界。本文探讨了德国早期职业研究人员在3R培训、沟通和压力应对机制之间的关系，并提出应对这些挑战的建议。为此，我们采用了双方法途径：对早期职业研究人员进行调查，以收集他们在与实验动物合作、沟通挑战和压力管理方面的观点，同时还举办了一个研讨会，与在日常工作中与早期职业研究人员打交道的经验丰富的专业人员交流见解。我们的研究结果突出了早期职业研究人员在进行动物实验时面临的诸多困难，从组织挑战到实验的实际实施。这些见解强调了需要一种整体战略，包括直接与早期职业研究人员接触以及制定关注他们整体福祉的政策。我们的建议主张改进沟通策略、认识文化差异、实施同伴辅导和指导计划，以及加强机构支持系统，特别是在动物实验的开展方面。总之，这项研究呼吁朝着为早期职业研究人员营造一个更具支持性和包容性的环境进行变革性转变，使科学进步与道德标准相协调。
