Animal Free Research UK is a charity that champions human-specific technologies that deliver better treatments for human diseases faster.
We believe that experimenting and testing on animals is scientifically and ethically unjustifiable, and that pioneering animal-free research provides the best chance of finding treatments for human diseases.
That’s why we support scientists to transition to human-specific medical research, replacing animals and animal-derived products in their methods.
What does Animal Free Research UK do?
Animal Free Research UK pioneers innovative solutions to some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. We support and promote alternatives to animal testing by funding pioneering research into non-animal methods to help scientists replace animals in medical research. We do not fund any research that uses animals or animal-derived products.
For over 50 years, our charity has played a foundational role in establishing today’s human relevant life sciences sector. Thanks to our visionary supporters, we have:
- Given over £11.5 million in grants to fund pioneering research.
- Supported over 300 scientific projects.
- Established Animal Replacement Centres of Excellence around the country
We also campaign to change the law to better protect animals. Right now, we’re calling for Herbie’s Law – a bold step towards a future where animals are no longer used in the name of science. The law will prompt a ‘decade of change’, and would mandate the replacement of animals in medical research in the UK by 2035, replacing them with humane, effective alternatives. It’s a commitment to progress, to compassion, to a brighter future for all.
Why Animal Free Research doesn’t support animal testing
According to latest statistics, over 2.5 million animals were used in British laboratories in 2024. Whilst this number is heartbreaking itself, the number of animals used in experiments globally is estimated to be around 192 million animals each year.
Despite these numbers, over 92% of new drugs that are found to be successful in animal tests fail in human trials.
The simple message is that animal experiments are failing patients.
That’s why we’re committed to ending animal testing and building a world where animals and humans lead healthy, happy lives, free from suffering.
