Researchers applying for a licence to conduct an animal experiment in Switzerland are required to consider ethical as well as scientific aspects. The ethical evaluation takes the form of a weighing of interests. To help researchers to carry out the procedure correctly, the Ethics Committee for Animal Experimentation (ECAE) of the Swiss Academies published a first guidance document in 2017. Following the revision of the application form for animal experiments by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), the ECAE produced a second revised edition of the guidance, which is consistent with the current documentation issued by the FSVO.

Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences (2022) Weighing of interests for proposed animal experiments. Guidance for applicants (2nd ed.). Swiss Academies Communications (17) 9