As a previous scientific researcher, I quickly understood that it takes more than just experiments to produce significant research. Taking inspiration from the apparently escaped ‘circus’ lion in Essex over the weekend, science research may be compared to a circus. Not unlike a circus, science research has to integrate and take into consideration a number of ‘acts’ in order to produce both novel and meaningful data. It should be noted that in no way is this article attempting to demean scientific research – it is clear to see the benefits research can have during health and disease in a variety of species.

Naturally, experiments are vital to ensuring that data is generated, whether the outcome be confirming or rejecting the initial hypothesis, and can be considered the ‘ringmasters’ of the science world. Interestingly, this concept is one that appears to confuse a lot of researchers. Although it is undeniable that consistently producing a negative result can be disheartening, a negative result is still just that – a result!

Additionally, a number of reagents are required to carry out each experiment. Previous articles have discussed the pitfalls of working within the veterinary field, namely the reduced availability of the necessary components required to test a hypothesis. These reagents are akin to the clowns of the circus – no experiments can be carried out without them, just as no circus is complete without our constantly happy, juggling companions! Unlike those working on more conventional animal models, ‘reagent testing’ may be carried out by those working on veterinary species, whereby an antibody originally intended to target a human molecule would be tested for its suitability to target the equivalent molecule in the veterinary species of choice. Although a somewhat more convoluted route, if the desired outcome is reached, the scope of research on that particular species can become greatly enhanced.

Finally, the acrobatic performers and tightrope walkers form the financial aspect of research. In order to carry out any experiment, appropriate funding must be readily available and strict guidelines adhered to. It is in no way guaranteed that funding will be given, and although it is hoped that grants will be awarded (just as it is hoped the tightrope walker doesn’t fall off the tightrope) there are no guarantees.

Nevertheless, when all these elements come together, science research can have greatly advantageous outcomes. As long as scientists continue to carry out experiments in their quest to understand how the body works during health and disease, it can only result in better outcomes for the future.