Guide to animal use in university education
It is possible to achieve studying objectives at universities without having to kill animals. But where in Switzerland are there courses that do not involve the use of animals? We want to close this information gap with our education guide. Support our data collection!
Background
In Switzerland, approximately 7,000 animals are used for educational purposes each year, and this number continues to rise (see Figure). Despite growing discussions about ethical alternatives to animal use in education, there is still a lack of clear and transparent information on how and to what extent animals are used in Swiss university courses
Our project, inspired by the SATIS Higher Education Guide in Germany, aims to close this information gap. We seek to provide a transparent overview of animal use in Swiss universities and help prospective students identify programs that allow them to align their academic choices with their values and beliefs.
Number of animals used for educational purposes in Switzerland (data from the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office)
Methods
Our project is based on a structured, data-driven approach. We directly contact lecturers and course coordinators across Swiss universities to gather detailed information. This includes the types of animals used, the purposes for which they are used, and the availability of humane teaching methods. The collected data will be compiled into a public, user-friendly database that will serve as a decision-making tool for prospective students and anyone else interested in the topic.
Importance of this project for students
When it comes to ethically sensitive areas like the use of animals in education, transparency is crucial. With our project, we offer (prospective) students the opportunity to:
Make informed academic choices: Students can select study programs that align with their ethical, religious, or personal beliefs and make educated decisions about their academic future.
Access alternative teaching methods: We highlight study programs that employ innovative and animal-free teaching methods, ensuring students receive education that is both ethically responsible and pedagogically effective.
Importance of this project for lecturers
For lecturers and universities, participating in our project provides an opportunity to showcase their commitment to transparency and modern teaching practices:
Promoting transparency: By participating, universities confirm their commitment to the objectives of the Swiss Transparency Agreement on Animal Research STAAR, which promotes transparency and ethical responsibility in the use of animals in research and education.
Enhancing reputation and trust: Universities that promote transparency and ethical teaching can gain the trust of both students and the broader public, reinforcing their reputation as leaders in responsible and innovative education.
Highlighting ethical teaching methods: Lecturers who already use humane teaching methods can showcase their innovative teaching practices and inspire others across the academic community.
Get involved!
We invite lecturers, students, and academic institutions to actively participate in this project. The data collection relies on cooperation from educators who can help us create a comprehensive overview of animal use in teaching.
You can support us by contacting us and providing details about the courses you teach (as a lecturer) or the courses you attended (as a student) at a Swiss university. Your information will of course be treated confidentially. Thank you very much!
I would like to contribute to the data collection
„*“ zeigt erforderliche Felder an