Research
Lighthouse Laboratories is developing itself as a general research facility with the ambition to incorporate and grow with diverse disciplines and themes.
In addressing a health problem such as cancer it is necessary to employ an interdisciplinary approach, looking indirectly at other diseases and physiological states to help understand what is happening in a disease of interest.
The Non-Use of Animals
The use of animals in medical research has been a contentious issue for many years. Many would be appalled by the notion that our domestic pets, such as cats and dogs, are also experimented on. Irrespective of the divide amongst public opinion, many support research charities and bodies unaware that they are supporting animal suffering.
At Lighthouse Laboratories, we are championing the cause to reduce and replace the use of animals in experimentation. With this policy reflected constitutionally, this is an Australian first.
As a policy of conscience, the Company will not, wherever possible, purposely or intentionally manipulate live animals in a physiological or pathological sense, to create conditions conducive to experimental design. However, animals under the care of a veterinarian, that are being treated for ailments or having examinations, would be considered for the purpose of obtaining / observing biological material / specimens that are harvested by a veterinarian as part of their duty of care. The latter would be subject to permission from the animal guardian, the veterinarian and relevant authorities.
Our policy was not borne from scientific and ethical arguments; we could argue from both sides. What we are doing, for the first time, is giving the public and the researcher choice with regard to the type of research they wish to support or participate in.
Our research approach with human tissue (e.g. cell lines and clinical harvested tissue) is mainstream science and as such it should not be construed as 'alternative'.
Please note that Lighthouse is not derogatory to those that support or participate in animal experimentation for medical research. We shall not impose our will on others; we go about our research business in a manner similar to a vegetarian sitting down to a dining table with an omnivore.
The Review Process
All our research projects are subject to review.
Initial endorsement is sought via our internal scientific advisory committee.
When applicable, approval is then pursued via the safety and ethics committees.
Major projects, whether in association with a grant application to an external funding body or in prelude to any allocation of internally raised funds and resources, are subjected to external peer review.
Minor projects include, but are not limited to, student and pilot studies.
Intellectual Property
We do not wish to exploit the suffering of others, thus our study designs are not centred on commercial spin off. However, Lighthouse always considers intellectual property issues associated with our research, particularly if it can provide additional revenue for sustainability and legal protection.
Collaboration
Collaboration among peers has obvious benefits. As such, we frequently seek to create, facilitate and engage in collaborative opportunities.
A current example is our international effort with two group leaders of the Manchester Interdisciplinary Bio-centre at Manchester University in the UK.