Animals in Science and Society

Our mission is to optimize welfare in animals through science, education and communication.

More specifically, we:

• develop scientifically based methods to evaluate the emotional state of animals;
• investigate the interaction between (the genetic background of) animals and their environment, especially with respect to their cognitive and emotional processes;
• stimulate the development, use, and acceptance of methods that replace, reduce, and refine the use of (laboratory) animals;
• evaluate and guide the perception of scientists and society with respect to animals, and analyze ethical and legal concerns.

Our research is part of the research programme Emotion and Cognition of the faculty's Institute of Veterinary Research.

We offer courses within the veterinary medical study programme as well as extra-curricular courses.