Problem and countermeasure for development of Laboratory Animal Science in China

Abstract

Laboratory Animal Science is a new interdisciplinary subject, which integrates the basic theories and techniques of biology, veterinary medicine, bioengineering, and medicine. Laboratory Animal Science studies laboratory animals and animal experimental techniques and provides laboratory animals, animal models, and technical services to support research in areas including the life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, food science, environment science, agriculture, and the military. The development of Laboratory Science has made great progress in resource development, technology simulation and integration, which have effectively promoted the development of related disciplines and industries. However, because of the field’s brief history, underestimations of the field’s value, and a lack of investment and planning, the development of Laboratory Animal Science in China lags behind similar endeavors in other countries. In China, the field has far to go in terms of the capability for technological innovation, total resources, and the diversity of resources available. These problems must be solved for innovation, scientific transformation, and industry development. Global leading resources of laboratory animals, animal models for human diseases, and animal experimental techniques are needed for future innovation in the life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, public health, national security, and the prevention and control of infectious diseases in China. The key areas of Laboratory Animal Sciences are as follows. Basic research should focus on the genetic breeding of laboratory animals, comparative biology, and comparative medicine. In terms of laboratory animal resources, we should invest inthe development of new animal species, genetically modified animals, and animal models of human diseases. In terms of technological innovation, we should focus on the establishment of animal models, the innovation of analytical techniques, and the development of related equipment and reagents for animal experiments. We must investigatethe immune function and microbiology of laboratory animals and provide basic toolsfor the emergence of technologies such as heterogeneous xenotransplantation and regenerative medicine. The successful completion of these research tasks will greatly improve the level of basic research in Laboratory Animal Science in China. Progressing to the level of research in developed countries will also promote the innovation and transformation of science and technology in related disciplines. For these reasons, we urge the government to formulate a development plan and establish a National Science and Technology Major Project for Laboratory Animal Science. Major infrastructure, including a talent training program, should be developed.