Organizations opposed to animal research have responded aggressively to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several have launched public records campaigns seeking a variety of documents from research organizations about their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes communications related to decisions to euthanize research animals. Americans for Medical Progress is aware of at least two ongoing efforts to obtain COVID-19-related information. We also expect these initiatives to expand in the weeks and months ahead. 

To assist research organizations in managing public records-related issues, AMP has created a new password protected section within our COVID-19 resources. If you already have access to our other protected resources, you can use the same password to access this information as well. If you would like to obtain a password, contact us via email.  

Research institutions across the country have been impacted by COVID-19 significantly and in varying ways. For many, projects were placed on hold and staff were instructed to work remotely. Now, as states reduce social distancing restrictions and research programs begin to resume operations, there are countless issues to consider.

On Wednesday, May 27th at 12:30 PM ET, States United for Biomedical Research (SUBR) and Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) are pleased to provide a discussion-focused webinar for the biomedical research community. The goal is to help guide institutional decisions and promote health and safety, as well as animal welfare.

Next week's webinar will provide a general framework to assist in ramp-up efforts. It will focus on items that should be considered by institutional leaders and staff when restarting research or ramping-up slowed operations. We recognize it's impossible to provide a step-by-step procedural re-opening guide that applies to all research institutions. Instead, this effort centers on discussions about the issues for consideration when restarting research operations and to provide targeted advice from a panel of experts who participated in planning activities for this webinar. The panel also developed a guidance document, which will be distributed to all participants.

The group of volunteers who assisted in the development of these considerations represent a wide range of expertise within the biomedical research community. Participants came from locations across the United States impacted by the pandemic in varying levels. They represent several organizational types (academic, pharmaceutical, CRO, private research) and varying sizes. As such, the webinar should offer helpful assistance for the greater research community.

You can sign up for the webinar at this link. Contact Tom Leach with any questions.  

Like countless other in-person events, this summer’s Animal Rights National Conference has been cancelled due to concerns about COVID-19 disease transmission. Instead, organizers are hosting a virtual conference. Recently, a website containing additional information about the event was launched. A few key details: