Animal researchers' views on the publication of negative results and subsequent policy adoptions Articles uri icon

publication date

  • April 2025

start page

  • 276

end page

  • 282

issue

  • 2

volume

  • 59

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0023-6772

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1758-1117

abstract

  • For over a decade, the non-publication of negative results from preclinical studies has been identified as a significant concern in biomedical research. Such underreporting is considered a contributor to the reproducibility crisis in the field and has been recognized by significant journals such as Science and Nature. In response to the consistently high non-publication rates of preclinical animal research in Europe, a survey was conducted among the biomedical research community to gather their views on publishing negative results. Using the EUSurvey platform, over 200 researchers directly working with animals were surveyed. The study aimed to understand the frequency of negative results, the reasons behind their non-publication, and the perceived pros and cons of making such results public. Insights from the survey could guide steps toward promoting transparency in science, refining research methodologies, reducing animal usage in experiments and minimizing research waste.

subjects

  • Biology and Biomedicine
  • Library Science and Documentation

keywords

  • 3rs; ethics and welfare; public policy; reduction