Welfare Science

Open Data Animal Welfare Research

How open data practices in animal welfare research can accelerate scientific progress and improve policy-making.

Key Facts

Most animal welfare research data is not publicly available after publication
Open data sharing enables re-analysis and meta-analysis that increases research value
Pre-registration of welfare studies reduces publication bias
Open access publishing makes welfare research available to practitioners and policymakers
Data sharing platforms for welfare science are at an early stage of development

Welfare Considerations

Open data in animal welfare research is essential for scientific progress and policy relevance. When welfare research data is shared openly, other researchers can verify findings, conduct meta-analyses, and develop new insights. Pre-registration reduces the bias toward positive findings. Open access publishing ensures that welfare science reaches the practitioners and policymakers who can act on it.

What You Can Do

Support open access animal welfare research and data sharing initiatives
Advocate for pre-registration requirements in animal welfare research funding
Engage with policymakers about translating open welfare research into regulatory decisions