5-Objectives and timescale, funding and division of labour
Scientists should take time to write a good lay summary (Non-Technical Summary, NTS), describing the objectives and underlying rationale of the study. This helps non-scientists, animal carers and animal technologists to understand the need for the study, and assists the ethical review process.
Collaboration with animal care staff from the earliest stages of planning an animal study is crucial, to avoid problems and misunderstandings later.
Many research studies are labour-intensive at specific times, for example during substance administration, sampling, surgery and necropsy. A clear division of labour, costs and responsibility between the facility staff and research group must be planned and appropriately timetabled before the study starts.
5b
Construct an approximate timescale for the project, indicating the need for assistance with preparation, animal care, procedures and waste disposal/decontamination.
General principles
For fish researchers