UW scientist, local activist to debate use of animals in research

Eric Sandgren, a UW–Madison professor of pathobiological sciences in the School of Veterinary Medicine, will debate the propriety of animal research with Rick Bogle of the Alliance for Animals’ Primate Freedom Project.

The event, “Using Animals in Research: A Debate,” will be held Thursday, March 23, in Chamberlin Hall, 1150 University Ave., Room 2103, from 7-8:30 p.m.

The panelists will be questioned by Isthmus news editor Bill Lueders and Deborah Blum, a UW–Madison journalism professor whose reporting on the issue of primate research and activism earned her a 1992 Pulitzer Prize.

There will be an opportunity for audience members to submit written questions to the panelists.

Critics of animal welfare research have been pushing for a debate on this issue for several years. UW–Madison officials have resisted, citing the critics’ confrontational tactics. The issue has been debated several times on the UW–Madison campus over the past 15 years.

The event is sponsored jointly by Isthmus and the Wisconsin Union Directorate’s Contemporary Issues Committee. It is envisioned as the first of several public forums to be held in connection with Isthmus’ 30th anniversary.

The event is free, but tickets are required. Tickets are available through the Union Theater Box Office, 800 Langdon St. The box office hours are Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., except for March 13-14, when it will be open 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday hours are noon- 5 p.m.

If tickets remain, they will be available at the door on the day of the event.

Also, City Channel 12 intends to record the debate. Several broadcast times are slated: Tuesday, April 4, 10 a.m.; Wednesday, April 5, 2 p.m.; Saturday, April 8, 9:30 a.m.; and Sunday, April 9, 10 p.m.