University backs research at its ‘crucial’ facility

I NOTE with sadness the story on the university’s animal testing building nearing completion (ODT, 29.10.20).

If the university is so proud of its new facility and the research that takes place there, it should offer frequent and ongoing tours to the public.

Let the public see all parts of this research facility so that we can judge its efficacy and be assured of its ethical safeguards.

Such is the mantra of the age: be kind, be open.

Peter Walker

Port Chalmers

[Abridged. University of Otago deputy vicechancellor, research and enterprise, Prof Richard Blaikie replies:

‘‘The research carried out in the facility is crucial for the advancement of knowledge that benefits the public. This includes research into cancer, diabetes, obesity, reproduction, behavioural science, wildlife management and neuroscience.

‘‘The animal research principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement (the 3 Rs) are central to our practice. We uphold the highest ethical standards and adhere to all regulations to ensure that animals are treated humanely.

‘‘The new facility requires an extremely high standard of hygiene, therefore public tours are not possible. The safety of our staff and visitors is also factored into the decision of how the building’s security is managed. We plan to explain how the facility is run and will continue to explain the important benefits of the research undertaken to the public.’’]

Wall St causeway

PRIORITIES? The DCC indicates $400,000 will be spent preserving and displaying an old pathway that was unearthed when the Wall St mall was built.

By the look of the picture, that works out at roughly $10,000 per stick of manuka.

Yes, manuka, not goldplated ebony. I am all for preservation of our buildings and the heritage they possess, but $400,000 on a pile of firewood?

Graham Bulman

Roslyn