Way back in April - I wrote about a new book by P. Michael Conn, The Animal Research War.
Between then an now I've been able to finally read the book.
It's not often that you'll find a research scientist write about topics that are not specifically scientific in nature, but Conn has shown that he's just as capable an author in both genres. Essentially, he's taken all the available fragments of information pertaining to animal rights activism and framed it in a way that's digestible to folks who are not knee deep in the subject.
I have spent the last 10 years of my professional life slowly compiling background information on the key players, tactics and relationships that make up the eco-terrorism landscape - specifically animal right's activism. For some time, this was extremely rare and valuable information for anyone handling research security.
That's why this is such an important book. It's the first complete account of how this slippery topic came to be, and arm the reader with the information necessary to properly understand the issues.
P. Michael Conn knows his topic first hand, being the target of activism himself. Thankfully, he's taken the road less traveled and instead of quietly avoiding attention in fear of future harassment, he's opted to shine a light into the eyes of the activists and help to expose them for what they are.
So, I can't offer any stronger recommendation than this; if you are in any way involved in the security of animal research, read this book.
Between then an now I've been able to finally read the book.
It's not often that you'll find a research scientist write about topics that are not specifically scientific in nature, but Conn has shown that he's just as capable an author in both genres. Essentially, he's taken all the available fragments of information pertaining to animal rights activism and framed it in a way that's digestible to folks who are not knee deep in the subject.
I have spent the last 10 years of my professional life slowly compiling background information on the key players, tactics and relationships that make up the eco-terrorism landscape - specifically animal right's activism. For some time, this was extremely rare and valuable information for anyone handling research security.
That's why this is such an important book. It's the first complete account of how this slippery topic came to be, and arm the reader with the information necessary to properly understand the issues.
P. Michael Conn knows his topic first hand, being the target of activism himself. Thankfully, he's taken the road less traveled and instead of quietly avoiding attention in fear of future harassment, he's opted to shine a light into the eyes of the activists and help to expose them for what they are.
So, I can't offer any stronger recommendation than this; if you are in any way involved in the security of animal research, read this book.
On a separate, but related note - our friend Tom Holder has appeared in Science Magazine. In the Magazine's "Newsmakers" section they spotlight people that they call "Movers" in scientific fields. Tom's been touring the United States, speaking at universities to help researchers understand how important vocal support of testing is. Here's a link to Speeking of Research for more information.
Here's a PDF of the Science Magazine feature.
Here's a PDF of the Science Magazine feature.
