3R Award For Using Live Tissue Obtained From Local Abattoir

Undergraduate students at the University of Sydney are using live tissue obtained from the local abattoir in their DMT Organ Baths during their pharmacology practical classes.

Senior educators, Dr. Brent McParland and Dr. Nehan Munasinghe have been recognised by the Research Integrity and Ethics Administration at the University of Sydney for their support for the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement). The tissue is obtained from the abattoir where it is kept in appropriate storage for up to 3 months. An additional advantage of the new approach is the significant reduction in lab preparation time and costs.

“Using live tissue enables students to view and understand biological variation, improving education outcomes,” said Dr McParland.
​
Nehan (left) and Brent (right) met with DMT CEO Carsten Thorndahl (centre) during his recent visit to Australia.