Abstract
Laboratory Animals is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to promoting high standards in the care and use of animals in scientific research. This review examines the journal’s history, scope, impact, and its significant contributions to the field of laboratory animal science. We analyze its publication trends, notable articles, and its role in shaping modern practices in animal research ethics and methodology. Our findings highlight the journal’s crucial role in disseminating evidence-based research on animal welfare, experimental design, and the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in animal research.
Introduction
Laboratory Animals has established itself as a leading publication in the field of laboratory animal science and welfare. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the journal’s history, its current status, and its impact on the scientific community involved in animal research.
Historical Background
Laboratory Animals was first published in 1967 by the Laboratory Animals Ltd, in association with the Laboratory Animal Science Association (LASA). Its establishment coincided with growing awareness of the need for standardized, ethical practices in animal research. The journal has since played a pivotal role in shaping policies and practices in this field.
Scope and Focus
The journal publishes original research articles, reviews, and rapid communications covering all aspects of laboratory animal science. Its scope includes:
- Animal welfare and ethics in research
- Experimental design and statistical analysis
- Animal models of disease
- Genetics and breeding of laboratory animals
- Anesthesia and analgesia in laboratory animals
- Environmental enrichment and housing
- Alternatives to animal testing (in vitro methods, computer modeling)
- Regulatory aspects of animal research
- Training and education in laboratory animal science
The journal maintains a balance between basic science and applied research, with a strong emphasis on the ethical use of animals in scientific studies.
Impact and Metrics
As of 2023, Laboratory Animals has an impact factor of 2.017. It is ranked in the Veterinary Sciences category according to the Journal Citation Reports. The journal’s articles were cited over 3,000 times in 2022, reflecting its significant influence in the field.
Publication Process
The journal follows a rigorous peer-review process. Manuscripts are initially screened by the editorial team and then sent to expert reviewers. The average time from submission to first decision is approximately 30 days, with accepted articles typically published online within 30 days of acceptance.
Notable Contributions
Over its history, Laboratory Animals has published numerous influential papers. Some notable examples include:
- Landmark studies on refinement of experimental procedures
- Research on environmental enrichment for laboratory animals
- Investigations into pain assessment and management in research animals
- Analyses of statistical power and sample size calculation in animal studies
Special Features
The journal offers several special features, including:
- Themed issues focusing on specific areas of laboratory animal science
- Rapid communications for timely dissemination of important findings
- Guidelines and consensus statements on best practices in animal research
Adaptation to the Digital Age
In recent years, Laboratory Animals has embraced digital publishing technologies, offering:
- Online-first publication of accepted articles
- Multimedia supplements
- Open access options for authors
- Integration with social media platforms for broader dissemination of research
International Reach
Laboratory Animals has a global scope. It receives submissions from authors worldwide and has an international readership, reflecting the universal challenges and opportunities in laboratory animal science across different research settings and regulatory environments.
Future Directions
As the field of laboratory animal science continues to evolve, the journal is focusing on emerging areas such as:
- The impact of new technologies (e.g., CRISPR) on animal model development
- Advanced in vitro models as alternatives to animal testing
- The use of artificial intelligence in experimental design and data analysis
- One Health approaches integrating animal, human, and environmental health
- Ethical considerations in emerging areas of research (e.g., xenotransplantation)
Conclusion
Laboratory Animals has played a crucial role in advancing the science and ethics of animal research over the past five decades. Its continued relevance and impact are testament to its ability to adapt to the changing landscape of biomedical research while maintaining a strong focus on animal welfare and the 3Rs principle. As the field continues to evolve, the journal is well-positioned to remain a key platform for sharing innovative research and practical insights in laboratory animal science.
References
- Laboratory Animals. About the Journal. SAGE Publishing. https://journals.sagepub.com/home/lan (accessed 15 August 2023).
