Is UK Animal Research Governance Facing a 'New Normal'? Considering the Risks and Benefits of 'Going Online'.

Since a return to in-office working after the extensive disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated challenges, many conversations are still being had with regard to what the 'new normal' might look like in professional spaces and networks, and what lessons can be learnt from long periods of remote working. The regulation of animal research practice in the UK is no exception here and, like many other systems, it has been transformed by the increasingly recognised value of streamlining procedures through the use of virtual online spaces. In early October 2022, the author attended an AWERB-UK meeting in Birmingham (convened by the RSPCA, LAVA, LASA and IAT), which focused on the induction, training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) members. This comment article reflects on this meeting and raises some interesting questions surrounding animal research governance in an evolving online era, specifically the associated ethical and welfare dimensions.