Culture of Care in animal research at the CIMH

Our working environment has a major influence on how we feel at work. Culture of Care stands for a culture of respectful, caring interaction - within the team and when dealing with animals.

This attitude is particularly important in facilities that work with laboratory animals. This is because care professions, whether with people or animals, can be physically and emotionally demanding. Culture of Care means that we create a working environment in which everyone feels welcome, respected and listened to.

Culture of care in the animal laboratory

Here at the CIMH, we understand culture of care as a shared responsibility – from management to colleagues who have direct contact with animals.

We promote clear, open communication and create structures that support a caring work culture. This includes

• Culture of Care seminars with employee surveys and evaluation
• Weekly animal laboratory meeting with space for current topics and personal concerns
• Introduction of an animal welfare meeting – twice a year, open to all employees
• Strengthening the Animal Welfare Committee: independent projects, e.g. an induction course with the aim of facilitating the onboarding of new employees and further increasing safety for people and animals.
• Optimised resources for our animal welfare officers, including an extended hours budget
• Successful introduction of new animal house software for better organisation
• Improved animal housing, e.g. tunnel handling for mice, multi-storey cages for sentinels

All these measures not only help animal welfare - they also strengthen our team and our shared responsibility for each other. After all, Culture of Care is not a one-off project for us, but an ongoing process that we are developing together.