SfN releases 'Best Practices for Protecting Researchers and...( The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) t...),Health

The Society for Neuroscience (SfN), the worlds largest organization of scientists and physicians who study the brain and nervous system, today released a new document to help improve the protection of academic researchers, including, but not limited to, those who face intimidation, harassment, and physical attack by fringe anti-animal research extremists. The document, Best Practices for Protecting Researchers and Research: Recommendations for Universities and Institutions, provides a set of specific and proactive steps that organizations can take to protect their employees, while also advancing scientific knowledge and medical progress.

Responsible biomedical research is essential to improve human health and save lives. Continued progress requires that institutions ensure the health and safety of researchers and their families, said Eve Marder, PhD, President of SfN. At a time when reasoned debate has turned into illegal harassment, trespass, and threat of violence, universities have an obligation to provide an appropriate and safe environment for their researchers. Todays document provides practical security, communications, and advocacy steps that universities can take to protect their colleagues. SfN encourages researchers and institutions to partner actively to evaluate and implement these recommendations in their communities.

Synthesizing lessons learned from other universities, researchers and organizations, Best Practices is a blueprint for action to:

• Provide public leadership and public commitment to researchers and the research enterprise;

• Develop and implement security protocols and relationships in advance of attacks; and

• Support policy and public communication solutions at the federal, state, and local levels.

Recently, the number of campaigns of harassment and intimidation directed at researchers has grown against those who use animals in research.
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