Since 2007, the Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator(GBSA)has held an annual memorial ceremony to honor animals used in experiments and research, aiming to instill a sense of compassion for animals and respect for life among researchers. (Image courtesy of GBSA)
SEOUL, April 24 (Korea Bizwire) — Marking World Day for Laboratory Animals on April 24, South Korea’s Rural Development Administration held a solemn memorial service at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences to honor animals used in agricultural research.
The ceremony, held in front of the institute’s animal memorial monument, included remarks by Institute Director Lee Seung-don, a moment of silence, and floral tributes. Researchers involved in animal testing joined the event, reaffirming their commitment to ethical research practices.
The institute conducts animal testing for pesticide safety evaluations, including acute oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity, as well as tests for skin and eye irritation. Animal testing is also used in developing functional materials from various agricultural products, including edible insects.
A scene from the memorial ceremony for laboratory animals (Image provided by the Rural Development Administration)
Since 2016, the annual memorial has served both to recognize the animals’ role in scientific advancement and to promote respect for life. Alongside commemorative efforts, the institute provides regular ethics training for researchers and has been actively developing alternative testing methods.
By the end of 2024, a total of 21 non-animal methods had been codified under the country’s Pesticide Control Act.
“All experiments are reviewed by an animal ethics committee in advance, and we aim to minimize animal suffering in every possible way,” Director Lee said. “We will continue accelerating the development of alternative testing methods to further reduce the need for animal experimentation.”
The event underscores South Korea’s growing emphasis on balancing scientific progress with ethical responsibility in its research and regulatory frameworks.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
