Jess Whitlock

Medical research urgently needs to be modernised. Several thousand diseases affect humans but only around 500 have treatments available. As to why we have made only such modest wins in our long fight against human illness lies in the three million animals used in British laboratories each year.

New economic report for Animal Free Research UK shows bold investment in new approach methodologies – aka NAMs – could see better treatments for patients, benefit economy and make Britain a science superpower.

In the cosmetics industry, the most common animals used for testing are guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, and mice. According to the Humane Society International, globally, around 500,000 animals die in cosmetic testing every year. 

All those who attended our recent Summer School’s graduation event should feel optimistic and excited about the future – especially for animal free research.

The UK’s science community is today invited to nominate trailblazing scientists for a new award. The Pioneer Medal recognises and celebrates scientists carrying out animal free research which can deliver more effective treatments for human diseases faster than current methods.

We write as scientists and professionals dedicated to accelerating medical progress. To tackle the ‘seven great healthcare challenges’ set out in the Government’s Life Sciences Vision (Cancer, Dementia, Mental Health, Obesity, Ageing, Respiratory Disease and Vaccines), we believe that medical research urgently needs to be modernised.