From incidents to insights: Fostering error cultures in laboratory animal science

Where simulations are not enough to reveal biological processes, researchers in many fields choose to study animals. Among them, those working in laboratory animal science have unique insights and responsibilities, as their interactions with other species are never just a means to an end, but aimed towards understanding and improving those animals’ welfare. In addition, its practitioners often hold key functions in between professional communities. Their attitudes and practices regarding errors thus affect those of many others. Despite growing recognition of the value of systematic error prevention and organisational learning, transparent and constructive error cultures are still rare in research facilities. This perspective article takes a brief look at the state of error reporting in laboratory animal science. We argue that the fragmented adoption of technological solutions reflects a deeper cultural deficit, and that changing it requires sustained effort by practitioners themselves. Genuine error cultures are not merely a compliance exercise, but a moral and institutional imperative – and as such, an integral part of Cultures of Care. Social science concepts like psychological safety or resilience engineering, as well as descriptive frameworks common to strategic management, provide tools to refocus attention on currently unresolved issues. With this in mind, we identify key challenges to be confronted at the level of individuals, institutions, and ecosystems. We outline a forward-looking vision in which error reporting becomes both an internalised cultural practice and standard operating procedure, employee wellbeing is structurally embedded and we engage proactively and responsibly with public expectations.