Ex-post Evaluation

1. Outline of the Project

Country:

China

Project title:

China Laboratory Animal Scientists and Technologists Training Center

Issue/Sector:

Science

Cooperation Scheme:

Project-Type Technical Cooperation

Division in Charge:

Social Development Department

Total Cost:

Period of Cooperation

July 1992 – June 1997

Partner Country’s Implementing Organization:

National Science Committee
Academy of Medical Science, Laboratory Animal Research Institute

Supporting Organization in Japan:

Related Cooperation:

1-1 Background of the Project

The use of laboratory animals is indispensable for making advancements in the field of life sciences. However, the research level of this field in China was underdeveloped compared to the international standard, and the study system was not organized. This situation had a truly negative influence on the studies in the fields of medicine or pharmaceuticals and on the technology derived from the studies. Therefore, in 1988, the National Science Committee (NSC) established The Laboratory Animal Management Regulations, which had four main purposes: laboratory animal breeding, quality control, training of experts and information collection. And the government of China placed the research for laboratory animal development as a national top priority issue. In 1989, the Chinese government submitted a request to the government of Japan for Project-type Technical Cooperation at China Laboratory Animal Scientists and Technologists Training Center (CLASTTC).

1-2 Project Overview

Cooperation was provided to CLASTTC to help with preparation of training materials, development of training courses, training of instructors, and implementation of a foundation course in order to foster laboratory animal scientists.

(1) Overall Goal
To train a sufficient number of experts in breeding, managing and using laboratory animals in China.

(2) Project Purpose
To help the staff of CLASTTC to become capable of providing training in seven areas of laboratory animal technology.

(3) Outputs
1) The maintenance and breeding skills for laboratory animals are established.
2) The technique of producing laboratory animals is established.
3) The techniques regarding laboratory animals’ use are established.
4) Implementation of training related to laboratory animals is geared up.

(4) Inputs

2. Evaluation Team

Members of Evaluation Team

Beijing JP Riohua Environ Tech Co., Ltd. (Commissioned to a local consultant)

Period of Evaluation

December 16, 2002 – January 17, 2003

Type of Evaluation:

Ex-Post Evaluation by Overseas Office

3. Results of Evaluation

3-1 Summary of Evaluation Results

(1) Impact
Laboratory animal science engineers who received training at CLASTTC and have high technical skills have contributed to the improvement of the capacity of examination and research in their organizations. Introducing many new species of laboratory animals from overseas heightened the quality of laboratory animals in China. Also, the number of laboratory animals provided by the Laboratory Animal Research Institute (LARI) laboratory animal farm has increased by 1.6 times since 1992 (400,000/year). New laboratory animal training courses and research courses in the field of transgenic and gene knockout were developed, and teaching materials were prepared.

In addition, most of over 200 issued research articles related to laboratory animals were provided by LARI, and they were compiled in the Science Citation Index. Furthermore, researchers use the technology related to laboratory animals extensively. Thus the implementation of the Project has produced impact on the four intended results found in the Laboratory Animal Management Regulations established by the National Science Committee.

The laboratory animal research capacity of LARI has improved significantly and the Ministry of Public Health recognized LARI as the National Monitoring and Examining Center for Laboratory Animals. Counterparts from LARI also joined in the drafting of the new Standards for Chinese Lab Animal Management (in 2001). Furthermore, for management of germfree animals, LARI strengthened the quality control of laboratory animals by introducing the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Also, affiliations with laboratories in the US are being established through research on the simian AIDS model and Comprehensive International Program of Research on AIDS (CIPRA).

(2) Sustainability
After the completion of the Project, there was no source of funding for the implementation of large-scale and systematic training. Therefore, CLASTTC began charging for the training, preventing people from facilities with small funds from participating in the training. The overall quality of laboratory animal scientists has improved and market demands have changed. Due to such factors, specific training courses are provided in response to individual needs, while no large-scale and systematic training is taking place. The counterparts are upgrading their professional knowledge through their research activities at LARI. They are also providing up-to-date training when necessary to respond to the demands made by training participants. Thus training that can adapt to the rapid changes and development of laboratory animal technology is implemented when necessary. The effects of the Project are expected to be maintained in the future as well.

Since CLASTTC could not implement independent activities due to a lack of sufficient budgetary funding, CLASTTC has continued its function as a training division of LARI since the completion of the Project. In 1998, the Municipal Science and Technology Committee and Animal Management Committee of Beijing recognized LARI as the Beijing Teaching and Training Center for Laboratory Animal Science, giving LARI a more important role. Some of the equipment donated by the Japanese government is out of order and in need of repair. Some equipment cannot be repaired because the manufacturer is not located in China. In terms of facility, LARI improved the conventional laboratory animal facility to an aseptic laboratory animal facility in 1999, and new equipment (928 thousand RMB: around 1.3 million yen) was introduced between 2000 and 2002. The main sources of financing for LARI are government funding and funds from research projects supported by the government. Although many government organizations are becoming privatized, government funding is being provided continuously and steadily.

3-2 Factors that Promoted the Realization of Effects

(1) Factors Concerning the Planning
N/A

(2) Factors Concerning the Implementation Process
1) Chinese government has acknowledged that laboratory animal science is very important for the development of China’s basic medical science. This ensured the government’s assistance to the Project.
2) Good cooperative relationships have been established among the relevant departments of LARI, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Beijing Union Medical College, which improved the reputation of those schools. This network has supported the activities of CLASTTC even after the completion of the Project.
3) Recognition by the government as the National Monitoring and Examining Center of Laboratory Animals and the Beijing Teaching and Training Center of Lab Animal Science, led LARI to become known as a provider of high quality technical training.

3-3 Factors that Impeded the Realization of Effects

(1) Factors Concerning the Planning
N/A

(2) Factors Concerning the Implementation Process
Some poor regions cannot afford to send people to the training, since no government subsidies have been offered after the completion of the Project.

3-4 Conclusion

Necessary training on laboratory animals will be continued through CLASTTC, which will operate as one of the departments of LARI.

Through the Project, laboratory animal engineers needed at research organizations were sufficiently fostered, and the Project has contributed directly or indirectly to the process of laboratory animal science in China to meet the international standard and its developments in the future. With the rising necessity of high quality laboratory animals for special research, the role of laboratory animal engineers, led by a core engineers at LARI/CLASTTC, will become increasingly important.

3-5 Recommendations

Since insufficiently managed equipment can be damaged quickly, the implementing organization should further organize a system of equipment management.

3-6 Lessons Learned

(1) When equipment is provided, the provider and the recipient should make adjustments as to the type and quantity truly needed by the implementing organization. Also, maintenance of equipment after its introduction should be considered fully.

(2) It is more efficient to get research staff involved in real research projects in Japan than merely in training courses, and many such requests are made among researchers. Thus, training content should place emphasis on real research.

(3) The implementing organization should prepare profit-earning business plans before the project finishes, to secure funds for activities carried out after the completion of the project.

3-7 Follow-up Situation

N/A