AFMA experts are available for lectures, debates and presentations, and we welcome invitations to participate in events that involve our issue.
To request our participation in your next event, please contact AFMA at 805-685-6812. Please be aware that AFMA requires an honorarium for presenting lectures and participating in debates.
As an educational organization, we look forward to the opportunity to share our insights on the scientific value of using animals in science and as predictive models for human drug and disease response.
We are also pleased to engage in constructive dialogue with those who defend the animal model and are prepared to state our case to audiences at universities, industry groups, medical association, trade organizations and other institutions that have an interest in exploring the topic.
As a matter of course, AFMA declines to participate in unmediated debates, conversations or forums, as our experience has shown these to be counterproductive to an intelligent and rational discussion of the issue.
All reasonable debate requests are considered, with the understanding that the requesting party adhere to the following general guidelines without any significant deviations. It is our policy to provide only one representative for a debate, without others on our side. The opposition may have any number it chooses, with all times allotted per side, not per individual.
Subject Matter
The subject of the debate will be: Resolved: Animal models are predictive for humans when testing. Only the science surrounding the use of animals will be addressed, as AFMA does not participate in debates where ethics is the topic.
Role of the Moderator
A moderator—preferably from outside the two camps, such as someone from the media, or the university’s law or business school—will be selected to conduct the debate.
The moderator will inform the audience before the debate begins that the time limits being imposed on the participants are to be respected, and that there will be no interruptions or harassment of the presenters.
The moderator will keep time and give each side a warning before the cut-off. The moderator has the authority and will use it to stop presenters who exceed their time limit.
Debate Format
Both sides will be provided microphones, podiums and LCD projectors by the host institution and will be allowed to use any audio-visual equipment during the formal presentation as well as the question-and-answer period.
Both sides may hand out printed materials before and after the debate.
The debate will last no less than two and no more than three hours. Each side will receive a total of 50 minutes. AFMA is willing to go first and speak for 40 minutes, with the opposition speaking for 50 minutes and AFMA speaking last for ten minutes. Our experience has shown that this format evens the playing field and does not give an advantage to whoever goes second. While AFMA is willing to go second if the opposition wishes, we will not agree to speak for less time than the opposition, nor will we agree to speak first without the opportunity for follow-up, as in the above format.
Presenters from one side will not be allowed on the stage when the opposing side is making their presentation.
Neither side will be allowed to interrupt the other. If one side does interrupt, the moderator must award five minutes for the other side to speak on whatever aspect of the topic they wish.
Question-and-Answer Period
After the formal debate is over, the floor will be opened for questions. The person who is asked the question will respond first, with the opponent following. Each side will be allowed up to two minutes to respond. Both sides will have access to the LCD projector during their answers. Both presenters must be on stage at all times during the question-and-answer period.
The moderator should try to alternate who receives a question first.
Questions may come from a mutually agreed upon panel or from the audience. They may be submitted from the floor either verbally or on a sheet of paper passed to the moderator—whichever way the moderator prefers.
Follow-up questions may be requested and will be awarded at the discretion of the moderator, who will also have the authority to ask the presenter to restate something if he/she believes the presenter misspoke, did not answer the question adequately or avoided the question.
