Animal Research: Raising Awareness of Care Regulations

Eric Sandgren is a professor of pathobiological sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. He received his bachelor’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his VMD and PhD in genetics from the University of Pennsylvania. Sandgren’s research program examined the genetic basis of cancer development using genetically modified mice, and he has over 60 publications in this area. Since 1995, he has chaired or served on three of UW-Madison’s Animal Care and Use Committees, and for 10 years was director of the campus’s animal program and Research Animal Resources Center and a spokesperson for animal research issues. He has participated in debates and discussions about animal research ethics, and he gives annual lectures on responsible use of animals in research to undergraduate, graduate, and veterinary students. Recently, he established the Common Ground on Animal Research initiative at the School of Veterinary Medicine, which brings together scientists, ethicists, and community members to work toward shared objectives including creating more comprehensive, accurate, and open communication about animal research, and working to improve research animal well-being.