Programs for Scientific Literacy Award: Culture of Care

The Culture of Care program is an internal communication program to inform employees about the important role of animal research in advancing the discovery and development of drugs, and ultimately in improving the lives of those affected by disease. Moreover, the Culture of Care program conveys the company's commitment to high standards of animal care and welfare that are necessary to produce good research results. Although, sanofi-aventis uses animals in research, many employees have no direct experience with this aspect of drug discovery and development research and some are not aware that animals are used at all. The media distributes most of the information available to the public and to sanofi aventis employees. Unfortunately, this information is often incorrect and biased.

To provide employees with accurate information and a forum to exchange their views on the use of animals in the development of medicines, the Laboratory Animal Science and Welfare (LASW) group sponsors a variety of activities through its global Culture of Care program. This program, developed with the Aventis Corporate Public Policy group, was initiated globally in 2003. Animal welfare is a complex issue that for many people may lead to a conflict between emotions and intellect. Through the Culture of Care program, employees can learn about the issues surrounding the use of animals in research. This global program has been designed to meet the needs of all employees worldwide through customized information in the form of information sessions, interactive workshops and dialogues, CD-ROMS and printed material.

This program was deemed to be such a success that NJABR has packaged the concept to export to other organizations that use animals in research. The sanofi aventis Culture of Care program was featured at the NJABR annual meeting, as a seminar at the National AALAS meeting (in Tampa), as a workshop at the Tribranch 2005 Meeting in Atlantic City and at the International 2004 FELASA meeting in France. Key contributors include: Jayne Mackta, president of the New Jersey Association for Biomedical Research, Cecilia Pate, US LASW Animal Use, Compliance & Training Office, and Dale Martin, Head, US LASW. US LASW continues to sponsor the Culture of Care Ethics of Animal Use discussion for 20 - 30 individuals each quarter.

Caring Heart Award

Community Service Award

Ambassadors for Scientific Research

Programs For Scientific Literacy