What happened at #BOARD25?

The fifth edition of Be Open About Animal Research Day (#BOARD25), EARA’s global, 24-hour social media campaign, that celebrates examples of openness in animal research with the public, took place during the FELASA Congress 2025, on 3 June. 

  • The campaign was supported by more than 260 partners from six continents – the highest participation to date.​

Examples of materials produced for the campaign included: 

  • On-site visits to animal facilities.  
  • A video feature with 15 scientists from different research institutions across Spain – including EARA members COSCE and CNB – sharing successful experiments in which animal research was essential.    
  • Q&A videos from numerous researchers and institutions all over the world about the importance of openness in animal research and their support for #BOARD25. 
  • Facility videos from Portugal showcasing rodents (University of Beira Interior) and fish (EARA member, Champalimaud Foundation).
  • A podcast episode, Pioniers van de Wetenschap, featuring Lucas Mergan (Odisee University of Applied Sciences) and Liesbeth Aarts (Infopount Proefdieronderzoek), discussing the importance of transparency and public dialogue on animal research. 

#BOARD25 also received media coverage in Mauritius, with an interview in the press featuring Nada Padayatchy from the EARA member Bioculture (Mauritius) Ltd. 

The campaign was supported by more than 260 partners from six continents – the highest participation to date.​

Click to see the list of #BOARD25 partners by continent and country.

Institutions and researchers across the world supported the campaign, by sharing case studies that highlighted the importance of being open and transparent to the general public about the use of animals in research.

Click to see the list of case studies published on social media by continent and country.

To celebrate the day, institutions and researchers around the world produced videos where they spoke about the animal research they carry out and about the need to talk openly with the public about animal research.

Click to see the list of videos published to support #BOARD25, listed by continent and country.