Abstract

Ensure scientific rigor, reproducibility, and animal welfare right from the start. While reporting frameworks like ARRIVE focus on published outputs, the PREPARE guidelines (Planning Research and Experimental Procedures on Animals: Recommendations for Excellence) provide a proactive framework to optimize studies before work begins. This webinar provides an operational overview of the 15 PREPARE checklist topics across its three core pillars: study formulation, dialogue between scientists and facility staff, and quality control of study components. Attendees will learn how early collaboration, facility evaluation, risk assessment, and detailed operational planning eliminate experimental artifacts, reduce research waste, and uphold the 3Rs. Join us to turn study preparation into your strongest tool for translational success. 

Selected references: 

1. Smith, A. J., Clutton, R. E., Lilley, E., Hansen, K. E. A., & Brattelid, T. (2018). PREPARE: guidelines for planning animal research and testing. Laboratory Animals, 52(2), 135–141

2. Smith, A. J., Clutton, R. E., Lilley, E., Hansen, K. E. A., & Brattelid, T. (2018). Improving animal research: PREPARE before you ARRIVE. BMJ, 360, k760

3. Smith, A. J. (2020). Guidelines for planning and conducting high-quality research and testing on animals. Laboratory Animal Research, 36, Article 21

Learning outcomes

• Master the 3 core pillars (Study Formulation, Facility Dialogue, Quality Control) and 15 checklist topics

• Distinguish pre-study planning (PREPARE) from post-study reporting (ARRIVE) to catch procedural flaws before work begins

• Establish dialogue between researchers and animal facility staff regarding capabilities, division of labor, and costs

• Integrate Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement during experimental design rather than retroactively

• Conduct thorough assessments of facility readiness, health monitoring, waste disposal, and contingency protocols