Science Conference

Our 2023 Conference

Breaking Barriers to Accelerate NAMs Adoption

Steered by a prestigious committee, our Science Conference programme will be tailored to match the interests of every player in the biomedical research community and fit the expectations of its stakeholders, whose sharp minds operate in the fast-paced human health sector. The programme will be rooted in 2-days, addressing new opportunities and resources for early-stage innovation and academia-industry collaborations, winning ways to nurture New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) assets and animal-free research techniques more broadly.

This new format will allow everyone curious about innovative research methods to participate actively in the event and deliver tangible outcomes that will make a real case for change in modernising medical research.

Madingley Hall, Cambridge

Date: 4 – 5 October 2023

Location: Madingley Hall, Cambridge, CB23 8AQ

Set in magnificent gardens just four miles from the centre of Cambridge, and a mere 60 minutes from London, Madingley Hall will provide a memorable setting for our 2023 Conference.

On Day 1 join us for a series of short talks showcasing innovative and ambitious projects, materials, and tools in front of potential partners and investors in the biomedical field. After an awe inspiring first day, we complete it with a fabulous celebration dinner at Madingley Hall, where you will have a chance to have fun and network.

Our Conference continues on Day 2 where you’ll join us for our keynote speaker, the Pioneer Awards and innovative workshops.

It’s guaranteed to be a conference to remember.

Early Bird Standard Ticket

£140

Full price – £190

Early Bird Corporate Ticket

£199

Full price – £250

Are you an Early Career Researcher? If so, please email science@animalfreeresearchuk.org with proof of eligibility to purchase your ticket at the discounted rate of £99.

We have a limited number of reserved bedrooms for delegates at a rate of £99 per room per night including breakfast. Please book directly by contacting the venue on +44 (0)1223 746222 and referencing Animal Free Research UK.

Early Bird Registration Fee – ends 31st March 2023

Help and support the move from animal-based projects to NAMs

Strengthen collaboration with researchers beyond academic settings 

Invest in human-relevant tools or projects 

Collaborate with other researchers on NAMs-based solutions

Overcome barriers in the transition to animal-free research

Call for Abstracts

Pilot Funding of Projects Developed at the Conference

There is a relatively small but significant pool of funds allocated to this conference, dedicated to awarding small grants to participants. A diverse panel of biomedical scientists will review all proposals for Pilot Funding that come out of the conference, whether from TED-style talks or Mini-Helpathons, and will fund those that they consider having the most promise to replace animal use.

Pilot Grants will range from approximately £10,000 to £25,000 and will be awarded to projects that will help researchers move away from using animals, or that constitute novel, innovative or disruptive ideas based on NAMs that could be scientifically rewarding, and lead to greater funding from traditional funders.

TED-style talks

Pitching innovative projects using NAMs

Are you an active stakeholder in biomedical research? Do you have a new technology, project, or idea that you want to showcase, discuss, develop – and even attract pilot funding for 

These short talks are a great opportunity to showcase innovative and ambitious projects, material, or tools in front of potential users, partners, and investors in the biomedical field.

Who can apply?

-Academic researchers of any level (from PhD to Team leaders) wanting to pitch a new human-focused project or technology   that they wish to develop

-Industry scientists (biotech, start-up, pharma and drug development, etc) wanting to pitch a new product, tool or material

How to apply?

Prepare your CV, Talk title, technical summary (400 words) and lay summary (200 words), and think about any relevant resources that you’d need to showcase your work (papers, links, pictures).

Selected candidates will be offered the opportunity to present their research idea, to answer questions and receive advice and feedback from an expert panel.

Deadline to apply – 30th May 2023

Apply Today

Mini Helpathons

Empowering scientists to use animal-free methods

Are you wondering how you, your group, or scientists more generally can shift current research practice towards animal-free research? Do you have a burning question regarding your research you never knew who to ask about before?

Helpathons are used in the Netherlands to help researchers who might otherwise undertake animal experiments to make the shift towards animal-free methods. Experience Experience shows that animal-free innovation becomes easier if you choose to do so together, and that is precisely what happens during a Helpathon.

How to apply?

Prepare your CV, question title, technical summary (400 words max), and think about any relevant content or resources that you’d need to showcase your work (papers, links, pictures etc).

Deadline to apply – 30th May 2023

Apply Today

Our 2022 Conference!

Across two days in Birmingham, we discussed our collective desire to benefit human health by pioneering, perfecting and transitioning to modern animal free medical research. We heard from the best in our field – from veterans and early career scientists alike. Check out our Modernising Medical Research Conference!