Research Defence Society

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Research Defence Society
HeadquartersUnited Kingdom

The Research Defence Society was a British scientific society and lobby group, founded by Stephen Paget, in 1908, to fight against the anti-vivisectionist "enemies of reason" at the beginning of the 20th century. At the end of 2008, after being active for 100 years, it merged with the communications group Coalition for Medical Progress to form the advocacy group Understanding Animal Research.[1]

The Research Defence Society's aim was to disseminate information about, and to defend the use of,

pharmaceutical industry and universities.[2] The organisation's literature stated that it was funded by its members, including medical scientists, doctors, veterinarians, pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, universities, and charities that support medical research.[3]

Its last executive director was Dr. Simon Festing, who became CEO of Understanding Animal Research.[4]

One campaign to demonstrate the support for animal research within the scientific and medical community was the co-signing of a petition in support of the use of animals in research called Declaration on Animals in Medical Research.

Medical Royal Colleges
and over 250 academic professors.

Notes

References

  • Understanding Animal Research website (the RDS site no longer exists) [1]
  • Woods, Richard & Ungoed-Thomas, Jonathan. "A campaigning hero", Sunday Times, February 26, 2006