Dominik Kamionek

SGV Meeting 2026 · Scientific Programme

CHUV, Lausanne

• 25 November 2026 · 15:30Taylor Swift vs. Mozart: Rethinking Music-Based Interventions in Laboratory Mice
  Abstract

  Music is frequently used in laboratory animal research and has been reported to influence behaviour, cognition and physiology in rodents. However, the selection of auditory stimuli in these studies has largely been guided by prior reports and human preferences. In particular, Mozart's Sonata K.448 has become one of the most frequently used auditory stimuli without critically evaluating whether it is preferred or even perceived by rodents. To address this scientific gap, we developed a novel choice-based paradigm to investigate auditory preferences in C57BL/6J mice. This talk will outline how concerns regarding animal welfare and species-specific sensory perception motivated our work, explore why the Sonata K.448 became the predominant choice in rodent research and discuss whether its widespread use is scientifically justified. The findings from our preference studies highlight the need to critically question established practices in animal research and suggest that evidence-based refinement of auditory stimuli may improve animal welfare while helping to avoid unnecessary animal experiments.