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P235


Trial animals for nationhood: constructing nationalist medicines through animal experiments 
Convenors:
Tsung-Jen Hung (University of Sydney)
Po-Hsun Chen (University of Manchester, UK.)
Jean Tzu-Yin Chou (University of Glasgow)
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Format:
Traditional Open Panel
Location:
NU-4A67
Sessions:
Tuesday 16 July, -
Time zone: Europe/Amsterdam

Short Abstract:

The process of bringing medicine or vaccines to the market necessitates rigorous clinical trials on animals and some animals’ sufferings matter than others’. We invite submissions focusing on the historical relationship between animals in clinical trials and the formation of national identities.

Long Abstract:

The process of bringing medicine or vaccines to the market necessitates rigorous clinical trials, often conducted on animals. These trials operate on the premise that animal suffering precedes human experimentation, with the sacrifice of these animals legitimizing the subsequent medical interventions. Clinical trials relegate animal suffering to statistical figures in scientific discourse, emphasizing a rational analysis. Yet, all animals suffer, but some animals’ sufferings matter than others’. For instance, the French government has imposed mandatory bird flu vaccination on only ducks instead of chicken, despite the fact that the virus affects both. In contrast, Indonesia exclusively mandates chicken bird-flu vaccination and conducts clinical trials solely on chickens. In the Indian context, typified by the Panchgavya tradition, the cow assumes a revered status, being ascribed a plethora of health benefits and medicinal properties and funded by the government.

This panel seeks to explore the historical and cultural underpinnings of these hierarchical distinctions in the context of clinical trials and their role in the construction of nationalist medicines. This panel also aims to convene scholars engaged in the historical study of animals involvement in clinical trials, and the ways in which scientific research manifests distinct aspirations and expectations concerning specific animal subjects. We invite submissions focusing on the historical relationship between animals in clinical trials and the formation of national identities, as well as contributions exploring the intersection of animals and nationhood in various contexts of scientific inquiry.

Accepted papers:

Session 1 Tuesday 16 July, 2024, -