中国实验动物学科发展的关键问题与对策的思考

Problem and countermeasure for development of Laboratory Animal Science in China

实验动物学是一门新兴交叉学科,它集成生物学、兽医学、生物工程、医学、药学、生物医学工程等学科的理论和方法,以实验动物和动物实验技术为研究对象,为相关学科发展提供系统性生物学材料和相关技术.实验动物学科产生的实验动物、动物模型、生物信息、动物实验技术、动物实验设备等,是生命科学、人类疾病、生物安全、药物研发、食品安全、航空航天、农业、环境等领域创新研究和发展的科技资源．

Laboratory Animal Science is a new interdisciplinary subject, which integrates the basic theories and techniques of biology, veterinary medicine, bioengineering, and medicine. Laboratory Animal Science studies laboratory animals and animal experimental techniques and provides laboratory animals, animal models, and technical services to support research in areas including the life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, food science, environment science, agriculture, and the military. The development of Laboratory Science has made great progress in resource development, technology simulation and integration, which have effectively promoted the development of related disciplines and industries. However, because of the field＇s brief history, underestimations of the field＇s value, and a lack of investment and planning, the development of Laboratory Animal Science in China lags behind similar endeavors in other countries. In China, the field has far to go in terms of the capability for technological innovation, total resources, and the diversity of resources available. These problems must be solved for innovation, scientific transformation, and industry development. Global leading resources of laboratory animals, animal models for human diseases, and animal experimental techniques are needed for future innovation in the life sciences, medicine, phar- macy, public health, national security, and the prevention and control of infectious diseases in China. The key areas of Laboratory Animal Sciences are as follows. Basic research should focus on the genetic breeding of laboratory animals, comparative biology, and comparative medicine. In terms of laboratory animal resources, we should invest inthe development of new animal species, genetically modified animals, and animal models of human diseases. In terms of technological innovation, we should focus on the establishment of animal models, the innovation of analytical techniques, and the development of related equipment and reagents for animal experiments. We must investigatethe immune function and microbiology of laboratory animals and provide basic toolsfor the emergence of technologies such as heterogeneous xenotransplantation and regenerative medicine. The successful completion of these research tasks will greatly improve the level of basic research in Laboratory Animal Science in China. Progressing to the level of research in developed countries will also promote the innovation and transformation of science and technology in related disciplines. For these reasons, we urge the government to formulate a development plan and establish a National Science and Technology Major Project for Laboratory Animal Science. Major infrastructure, including a talent training program, should be developed.