drs. W (Wim) de Leeuw

drs. W (Wim) de Leeuw

Role
Member
Works at
Head Animal Welfare Body Utrecht University

"The ideal world, a world without animal procedures, is not yet within reach. There is still a vast amount of work that needs to be done before we can replace animal procedures where already possible and, where it's not, to reduce the number of animal procedures and apply methods that minimise distress to the greatest extent. The NCad is charged with issuing solicited and unsolicited opinions and guidelines that can direct us in taking the steps needed. Their recommendations have to be based on the input of experts and other involved parties. They have to act as a motivating and reliable compass that points the way to fewer and better animal procedures. Basically, the NCad can and must act as a driving force. In my view, the challenge lies not only in formulating forward-looking opinions and guidelines, but also and even more importantly in working with animal welfare bodies to ensure that these opinions and guidelines are disseminated beyond the ministerial offices and the animal welfare bodies themselves. That they get through to researchers, biotechnicians, animal caretakers and other staff at those bodies, and that they really do contribute to improvements in animal welfare and research."

Take a look at Wim de Leeuw's CV in brief and read his Statement of Interests.