Episode 60 – Herbie’s Law Hits 200 and Party Conference Season

More than 200 MPs and peers now back Herbie’s Law. Public affairs manager Aaron Davidson joins Carla and Gemma with the news that the campaign has reached 217 supporters in just two years, including almost half of the MPs who are free to publicly back it. He explains why some MPs, such as ministers and whips, can’t publicly support campaigns, and why a clear target date of 2035 matters for real change.

The team also looks back at a whirlwind three weeks at the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative Party conferences. They met dozens of MPs and peers, including Sir Ed Davey and the government’s science minister, and the Conservative reception was so busy it ran one in, one out. Many politicians said they had come over because constituents had emailed them about Herbie’s Law, proof that taking a couple of minutes to contact your MP really does make a difference.

Plus, the answer to last episode’s Myth Buster. Dogs, cats, monkeys and horses are not protected from use in experiments. Their use rose by 7% last year, and just 100 horses were used in more than 12,000 procedures.

Myth Buster

All MPs are free to publicly support whatever causes they want – like Herbie’s Law.

Vote now:  Labcast Poll

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Episode 59 – Animal Testing Statistics, and the Science Replacing FBS

More than 2.54 million animal experiments were carried out in Great Britain in 2025, down just 3.8% on the previous year. Use of “specially protected” species, dogs, cats, horses and monkeys, rose by 7%. The figures haven’t gone unnoticed in Westminster. MP Lee Pitcher raised the figures in the Commons, referencing Herbie’s Law directly, while minister Sarah Jones pointed to the government’s £75 million strategy to accelerate change.

Dr Fiona Saunders from the University of Aberdeen’s Animal Replacement Centre of Excellence joins to talk about her work replacing foetal bovine serum (FBS) in breast cancer research. FBS has been a laboratory staple for decades, but it comes with ethical costs and scientific ones too, its batch-to-batch variability makes experiments harder to reproduce. Fiona explains why swapping it out is trickier than it sounds, and how her team’s work could help labs worldwide make the switch.

Myth Buster

Dogs, cats, monkeys and horses are protected from use in experiments in Britain.

Vote now:  Labcast Poll

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Episode 58 – Herbie’s Law and the Global Shift Away from Animal Testing

Carla and Dr Gemma Davis dig into the growing political and scientific momentum behind ending animal testing, both in the UK and around the world.

At the heart of this episode is Herbie’s Law, Animal Free Research UK’s proposed legislation to create a clear roadmap for phasing out animal experiments. Director of Public Affairs Isabel Martin shares how support continues to build in Parliament, with backing from MPs across multiple parties and the campaign regularly raised in debates across both the House of Commons and House of Lords. The team also pauses to mark one year since the loss of Herbie, the dog whose story started it all.

The episode takes a global view too, with the UK, United States and European Union all having published major strategies over the past year to reduce and replace animal testing. While each takes a different approach, all point in the same direction. The team welcomes the progress but is clear: none go far enough, and a firm legal commitment is still needed.

World Animal Free Research Day also gets a mention, with a brilliant wave of support from campaigners, parliamentarians and public figures including Pete Wicks, Will Young, Kirsty Gallagher and Rankin.

Myth Buster

A change in prime minister could mean a change to the Government’s strategy to phase out animal testing.

Vote now:  Labcast Poll

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Episode 57 – World Animal Free Research Day Special with Kirsty Gallacher

Hosts Carla and Dr Gemma Davis are joined by TV broadcaster and animal welfare advocate Kirsty Gallacher to mark World Animal Free Research Day 2026.

The team digs into Kirsty’s passion for animal welfare, the growing public awareness around the use of animals in lab testing, and why sustained campaigning and the power of a platform matter more than ever. Gemma adds a scientific reality check, highlighting that despite decades of animal research, many diseases still have no cure and the case for human-relevant research methods has never been stronger.

There is also some exciting news: Animal Free Research UK has launched its third Animal Replacement Centre of Excellence at the University of Aberdeen, focusing on breast cancer research. Plus, a brand new t-shirt has landed in the shop, modelled by Kirsty and fellow celebrity supporters to celebrate the day.

Myth Buster
Alternatives to animal testing are new technologies that have only emerged in the last couple of decades.

Vote now:  Labcast Poll

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Episode 56 – Community, Collaboration and Cracking Women’s Health with Dr Jonathan Sheard & Dr Chloe Rodgers

Hosts Carla and Dr Gemma Davis are joined by two special guests: Dr Jonathan Sheard, Animal Free Research UK’s new Science Community Manager, and Dr Chloe Rodgers from the University of Glasgow.

The team discusses an exciting new initiative to build regional scientific communities across the UK, designed to connect researchers, encourage collaboration and support the transition to animal-free methods. We hear highlights from the first Scottish community event in Glasgow, where nearly 60 scientists came together, including a Dragon’s Den-style funding competition won unanimously by Dr Chloe Rodgers.

Chloe shares her groundbreaking MEDUSA project, which aims to build a more accurate human model for studying endometriosis and other reproductive health conditions, replacing the mice models that are still widely used despite the fact that mice do not menstruate like humans.

Myth Buster
Scotland carries out fewer animal experiments than any other country in Great Britain.

Vote now:  Labcast Poll

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Episode 55 – From Parliament to the Lab with Prof Delibegovic & Dr Kamli-Salino

In this episode, the team explores the growing momentum behind animal-free research, from increasing political support for Herbie’s Law to innovative breakthroughs in the lab.

The discussion highlights a major parliamentary event hosted by Animal Free Research UK and a recent debate driven by a petition with over 121,000 signatures, showing strong public demand to reduce animal testing.

We revisit a common myth that some scientific questions require animal research. The team explains how new technologies are enabling scientists to study disease using human biology instead.

At the heart of the episode is new research from Professor Delibegovic and Dr Kamli-Salino from the University of Aberdeen, where they are developing a human kidney slice platform to study diabetic kidney disease. By using donated human tissue, this approach offers a more accurate way to understand disease and test treatments.

Looking ahead, the team explores how animal-free methods could support more effective, personalised medicine, while emphasising the importance of continued public and political engagement to drive change.

Myth Buster
Regulations require animals to be used in every area of research?

Vote now:  Labcast Poll

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Episode 54 – Animal Testing: Your Questions Answered

In this episode, the team tackles some of the most common and challenging questions about animal testing, from legal myths to the future of AI in science.

A key focus is the misconception that animal testing is legally required in the UK. In reality, it is only permitted when no suitable alternative exists, but unclear definitions mean it is still widely used.

The discussion highlights the growing shift towards human-based research methods, which are increasingly more relevant and effective than animal models. The team also address the reality that most medicines today have involved animal testing, leaving limited alternatives for patients.

Looking ahead, the episode explores the complexity of phasing out animal testing, the role of new legislation, and the potential of artificial intelligence to transform research and reduce reliance on animals.

Finally, the importance of public engagement is emphasised, with a reminder that contacting MPs and raising awareness can help drive change.

Myth Buster
There are important scientific questions that can only be answered through animal research: Myth or fact?

Vote now:  Labcast Poll

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Episode 53 – Ross Dobie – Parliament, Prime-Time TV & The New Centre for Human-Specific Research

In this episode, Carla and Dr Gemma discuss a series of exciting milestones for Animal Free Research UK.

Animal testing was raised during Prime Minister’s Questions by Irene Campbell MP, bringing the issue to one of the UK’s most high-profile political stages and calling for stronger action to phase out animal experiments in medical research.

The team also reflect on their appearance on BBC’s The One Show, which highlighted pioneering animal-free research funded by the charity, including lab-grown “mini hearts”, human-cell breast cancer research, and plant-based antibodies for medicine production.

A major focus of the episode is the launch of the Centre for Human Specific Research, a new initiative designed to support scientists transitioning from animal experiments to human-relevant methods through funding, training, and collaboration.

Myth Buster
Is animal testing for medical research required by law in the UK? Myth or fact?

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Thanks for listening!

Episode 52 – Isobel Martin – Momentum for Herbie’s Law

In this episode, Carla and Dr Gemma reflect on a significant few weeks for Animal Free Research UK, with major developments in Parliament and across the scientific community.

Two debates in the House of Commons placed animal experimentation firmly on the parliamentary record! With growing cross-party support for Herbie’s Law, a practical roadmap to phase out animal testing over the next decade. The issue has now also been raised in the House of Lords, signalling increasing political momentum.

The team also discuss newly released figures showing over 6.5 million animals were approved for use in UK laboratories in 2025, underscoring the urgency for reform. At the same time, advances in organoid and organ-on-chip technologies highlight the accelerating shift towards human-relevant science.

Momentum is building but continued public pressure remains vital!

Poll of the Week: 

Would you like to see more Animal Replacement Centres or ARCs around the UK? Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!

Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.

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Thanks for listening!

Episode 51 – Josh Abram – Hope, Policy and the Next Generation

In this first episode of the new year, Carla and Dr Gemma explore encouraging progress towards animal-free research, alongside the challenges that still demand urgent action. They share exciting news about Animal Free Research UK being shortlisted for two prestigious Lush Prizes, recognising both scientific innovation and political advocacy

The conversation then turns to Westminster, where a parliamentary debate exposed serious regulatory failures in animal research laboratories, while also renewing calls for Herbie’s Law and a clear pathway towards replacing animal testing by 2035. The episode closes on a hopeful note with guest Josh Abram, a young researcher working with cutting-edge, animal-free cancer models, whose passion reflects the future of ethical, human-relevant science.

Poll of the Week: Would you like to see more Animal Replacement Centres or ARCs around the UK? Vote on Instagram, X, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening! Make sure you leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram to keep up to date on all things animal free research!

Episode 50 – Looking Back, Moving Forward – End of Year Special

In this year-end episode, Carla and Dr Gemma reflect on a year of real progress towards replacing animal testing with human-focused medical research. We bring together highlights from across the series, featuring scientists, campaigners, politicians and well-known supporters who are helping to drive change.

You can hear about strong public backing for the charity’s campaign asks, major milestones for Herbie’s Law, and exciting advances in animal-free research. We also celebrate the vital role of supporters in funding innovation, influencing policy and helping to move the UK closer to ethical, human-relevant science.

Our Labcasts will be back in 2026 with more insightful, inspiring and occasionally funny episodes.

Thanks for listening!

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Episode 49 – Strategy, Science, and the Road Ahead

In episode 49 of the Animal Free Labcast, hosts Carla and Dr. Gemma Davis welcome two key guests from Animal Free Research UK — Head of Science, Dr. Ross Dobie and Director of Public Affairs, Isobel Martin — for a deep dive into the UK government’s new strategy on phasing out animal testing.

Main highlights

• 96% of listeners believe cancer research should prioritise replacing animal experiments.
• Ross and Isobel agree the new government strategy is a step forward, but not ambitious enough.
• The plan focuses more on phasing in alternatives than phasing out animal testing — a concern for campaigners.
• The team outlines four priorities to push progress further:

1. Put the strategy into law — so promises can’t quietly disappear with political change.
2. Replace animal-derived antibodies — switching to more reliable & ethical recombinant alternatives.
3. Give parliament a seat at the table — ensuring MPs can hold government to account.
4. Demand transparency — clearer timelines, budgets, and implementation details.

Big supporter milestone

Thanks to public action, all 650 UK MPs have now been contacted about the need for animal-free science — a major breakthrough driven entirely by supporters.

Poll of the week: Do you support our four campaign asks?
Vote on Instagram, X, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening! Make sure you leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram to keep up to date on all things animal free research!

Episode 48 – Dr Ethan Perkins – Big Questions & Breakthrough Prostate Cancer Research

In this episode of the Animal Free Labcast, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davies discuss the UK Government’s new strategy to phase out animal testing and what it means for animals and science. Early feedback from supporters shows strong concern, with 99% of poll respondents saying the strategy is too slow.

They highlight our recent work with MPs, including six parliamentary questions calling for stronger legal commitments, and the 586 supporters who contacted their MPs to push for urgent action. New Home Office Non-Technical summaries also show that more than five million animals have been approved for experiments over the next five years.

Carla and Dr Gemma speak with Dr Ethan Perkins from the University of Bradford, whose funded research grant is developing a human-cell prostate cancer model. His organ-on-a-chip approach aims to predict drug responses more accurately, reduce the use of animals in cancer studies, and support more personalised treatments. His team has already created promising tumour structures and is preparing to test cancer drugs on these fully animal-free models.

Poll of the Week:
Should the Government’s strategy prioritise replacing animal experiments in cancer research?

Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!

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Episode 47 – Government Strategy to Replace Animals in Science

In this special episode, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davis speak with Public Affairs Manager Aaron Davidson about the UK Government’s new strategy to accelerate the phase-out of animal testing. They outline key positives, including a clearer commitment to full replacement, investment in human-specific research hubs, better training for early-career scientists and steps to reduce publication bias.

They also discuss how sustained advocacy helped shape the strategy, alongside the gaps that remain, such as the lack of legal deadlines, limited funding, and vague commitments. The team emphasise that while this is an important milestone, further action is needed to deliver a truly animal-free research system.

Poll of the Week:
Do you think the Government’s strategy on phasing out animal testing faster goes far and fast enough?

Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!

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Thanks for listening!

Episode 46 – New Voices, New Vision: The Next Generation Inspiring Animal-Free Innovation

In this inspiring episode, Carla and Gemma spotlight two pioneering PhD researchers from the University of Glasgow’s Lifetime CDT programme – Celia Ribes Balanza and Athena Mattheou – who are redefining what the future of science looks like.

Fresh from presenting their research at the UK Parliament, Celia and Athena share how they’re helping to phase out animal testing and drive forward human-relevant innovation. Supported by Animal Free Research UK, the Lifetime CDT is training the next generation of scientists to create smarter, kinder research methods that truly deliver for patients.

Celia discusses her cutting-edge “organ-on-a-chip” model and Athena introduces her work developing next-generation synthetic hydrogels for wound healing. Together, they reveal how animal-free research is gaining real momentum in universities, Parliament and beyond – proving that ethical science is also the most effective science.

🎧 Poll of the Week:
Will animal testing end sooner if MPs act, rather than waiting for animal researchers to retire?

Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!

Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.

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Thanks for listening!

Episode 45 – Shocking Stats and Hope for the Future

In this powerful episode, Carla and Dr. Gemma unpack the newly released 2024 Home Office statistics on animal experiments — revealing that 2.64 million procedures were carried out in British labs last year, with only a 1.2% decrease from 2023. They discuss the shocking figures behind genetically altered animals, the continued use of dogs, cats, horses, and monkeys, and why the so-called “progress” remains far too slow.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they’re joined by Dr. Jenny Ashworth from the University of Nottingham, who shares her ground-breaking work developing animal-free materials to study patient-derived breast cancer samples. Jenny explains how her lab uses human-relevant 3D cell models (organoids) and synthetic hydrogels to replace animal-derived products, paving the way for more ethical and effective breast cancer treatments — and even the potential for personalised medicine.

🎧 Poll of the Week:
Does research into personalised medicine make you feel more hopeful about the future of breast cancer treatment?

Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!

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Episode 44 – Your Questions Answered: From Policy to Petri Dishes

In this episode of the Animal Free Labcast, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davies answer your top questions about animal-free research — and record on video for the first time (tech hiccups included!).

Carla shares how Animal Free Research UK is driving Herbie’s Law and working across parties to make animal-free science a political priority. Gemma explains how breakthroughs like organ-on-chip, AI models, and 3D cell cultures are replacing animal tests and why cultural change in research is key.

They also clear up myths about regulation and discuss how sharing negative data could stop duplicate animal experiments.

Poll of the Week: To avoid duplicate animal tests, should researchers be incentivised to share their results with others?

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Episode #43 – Dr Adjanie Patabendige – Heart Health and Dementia: The Hidden Link 

This week Carla and Dr Gemma Davies speak with Dr Adjanie Patabendige from the University of Derby, who is pioneering animal-free research into how irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) may increase the risk of dementia. Using human cells and lab-grown models of the blood-brain barrier, her work replaces animal-derived materials with human equivalents, offering more relevant results and greater compassion.

We also discuss Herbie’s Law – the proposed plan to phase out animal testing by 2035 – and why investing in human-focused science is better for both patients and animals.

No poll this week! It’s your chance to ask us anything! Whether it’s about science, policy, regulations, or the future of animal-free research!

Send your questions to hello@animalfreeresearchuk.org  or post on our socials: X, Facebook or Instagram and we’ll answer them in the next episode.

Thanks for listening!

Episode 42 – Dr Sam Aspinall – A Future Beyond Gelatin

In this episode of the Animal Free Labcast, Carla and Dr Gemma Davies are joined by Dr Sam Aspinall from the University of Hertfordshire, who is developing a synthetic, animal-free alternative to gelatin – a material found everywhere from labs to healthcare to cosmetics.

We unpack why gelatin, though cheap and effective, is problematic both ethically and scientifically, and explore how polymer-based substitutes could offer the same benefits without animal suffering or experimental variability. The conversation also shines a light on the hidden scale of animal use in research – from live testing to animal-derived biomaterials – and why human-relevant methods are urgently needed.

Tune in to hear how Dr Aspinall’s work could transform research worldwide, making science more reliable while sparing countless animals.

Poll of the Week: Did you know that even though there are animal-free alternatives, gelatin and other meat industry by-products are still widely used in medical research?

• Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!
• Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.
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Thanks for listening!

Episode 41 – Dr Gemma Davies – Your Question on Animal-Free Science, Answered

In this episode of the Animal Free Labcast, Carla is joined by Dr Gemma Davies to tackle your burning questions about animal-free science. From why animal testing persists despite its failures, to the biggest areas of animal use in research, to the pressures scientists face — we dive deep into the realities of drug development and why human-specific methods are urgently needed.

We also announce the winners of our Brighter Future merchandise giveaway  and launch this week’s listener poll.

Tune in to hear honest insights, eye-opening examples, and why animal-free science is key to creating safer, more effective medicines for people — and a kinder world for animals.

Poll of the Week: Does knowing that animal tests often fail to predict human reactions make you stop and think before taking medicine?

• Vote in this week’s poll on our website, X, Facebook or Instagram
• Share your views on 0208 054 9695 or email hello@animalfreeresearchuk.org
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Thanks for listening!

Episode 40 – Emily Sutton – Art, Animals, and Advocacy

“It’s awful for the animals – and it’s not even useful for the humans.”

In this episode, award-winning illustrator Emily Sutton joins Carla and Dr Gemma Davies to reflect on the current state of animal use in science, as well as share the inspiration behind her stunning artwork for our Brighter Future campaign.

Emily discusses the power of illustration to drive change, her lifelong love of animals, and why she was moved to support Animal Free Research UK.

Plus, Carla and Gemma share the latest parliamentary progress, including a mention of our Antibodies Database, and a powerful cross-party letter urging the government to set a clear timeline for ending animal experiments.

You can shop Emily’s design at: animalfreeresearchuk.org/shop

No poll this week!
Enter our giveaway to win exclusive Brighter Future merch – not available in our shop!
To enter, tell us the name of Emily Sutton’s dog (hint: you’ll hear it in the episode).
Send your answer to: hello@animalfreeresearchuk.org
Giveaway closes Friday 15th August 2025.

• Share your views on 0208 054 9695 or email hello@animalfreeresearchuk.org
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Thanks for listening!

Episode 39 – Dr Stephanie Modi – Breaking the Antibody habit

Episode 39 – Dr Stephanie Modi – Breaking the Antibody Habit
We’re back with another great episode! Join Carla Owen and co-host Dr Gemma Davies as they sit down with Dr Stephanie Modi, Science Manager at Animal Free Research UK, to unpack a topic that affects us all – antibodies.

Stephanie explains what antibodies are, how they’re used in medicine, and why most people don’t realise animals are still used to make them – over a million each year in Europe alone. Discover why animal-derived antibodies can actually slow down medical progress, and how new animal-free alternatives are already proving to be faster, more accurate, and more ethical. Plus, find out about the game-changing Recombinant Antibodies and Mimetics Database that’s helping researchers make the switch.

Tune in to hear how we can build a future where science is smarter, more reliable – and free from animal suffering.

Poll of the Week: Should the government ban animal-derived antibodies now that alternatives are available?

• Vote in this week’s poll on our website, X, Facebook or Instagram
• Share your views on 0208 054 9695 or email hello@animalfreeresearchuk.org
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Thanks for listening!

Episode 38 – Dr Dania Movia – 2.1 Million Reasons We Need Change 

Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davies are joined by special guest Dr Dania Movia, recipient of the Animal Free Research UK Outstanding Scientist Award. The hosts share updates from Parliament, where MP visits to Animal Free Research UK-funded labs are driving support for Herbie’s Law. Steve Race MP has written an article in The House Magazine, and there has been a parliamentary debate on phasing out animal experiments, with amazing support for Herbie’s Law!

Concerning news from the Home Office — a report revealing over 2.1 million animals have been approved for experiments in the UK over the next five years, reinforcing the urgent need for change.

Dr Movia discusses her pioneering work creating human-relevant models to study lung cancer and respiratory toxicity without the use of animals. She explains how recreating parts of the human lung in the lab not only improves accuracy but also offers hope for more personalised, effective treatments for patients. The conversation tackles the failures of animal research, the promise of human-specific science, and Dr Movia’s inspiring vision for a future free from animal testing.

Poll of the Week: Were you surprised to learn that so far this year over 2.1 million animals have already been approved for use in experiments over the next 5 years?

• Vote in this week’s poll on X, Facebook or Instagram
• Share your views on 0208 054 9695 or email hello@animalfreeresearchuk.org
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Thanks for listening!

Episode 37 – Herbie’s Heroes: Jake Lambert, Russell Kane and Diane Morgan

This week on the Animal Free Labcast, hosts Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davis are joined by three comedy favourites – Jake Lambert, Russell Kane and Diane Morgan – who share why they’re lending their voices to the Herbie’s Heroes campaign.

Jake Lambert talks about his deep love for animals, Russell Kane highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership, and Diane Morgan speaks passionately about ending animal cruelty and the need to move beyond outdated testing methods. She says:

“We can do better than outdated animal experiments – it’s 2025, this shouldn’t still be happening. I’m supporting Herbie’s Law – to help create a brighter future, without animal testing.”

It’s an engaging and heartfelt episode, packed with laughs, insight and a clear message: science can be better, and animals deserve better!

Poll of the Week: Do you think policymakers are doing enough to support animal-free research? Cast your vote and tag your MP to help push for progress!

• Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!
• Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.
• Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Thanks for listening!

Episode 36 – Herbie’s Heroes: Deborah Meaden, Pandora Christie, Kirsty Gallacher and Pete Wicks

This week on the Animal Free Labcast, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davis spotlight the launch of the Herbie’s Heroes campaign – joined by celebrity supporters Deborah Meaden, Pandora Christie, Kirsty Gallacher, and Pete Wicks.

Hear why they’re backing Herbie’s Law – from the failures of outdated animal testing to their deep personal commitment to animal welfare. Deborah Meaden says:

“I’m supporting Herbie’s Law because there are alternatives to animal testing. Let’s choose compassion and build a kinder and better future for animals.”

It’s an inspiring episode with a clear call to action: join the Herbie’s Heroes 100km Challenge – walk, run, cycle or swim to help end animal testing. Every kilometre counts!

Poll of the Week: Would you like to see more public figures using their voice to support Herbie’s Law? Cast your vote and tell us what you think!

• Vote in this week’s poll on X, Facebook or Instagram
• Share your views on 0208 054 9695 or email hello@animalfreeresearchuk.org
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Thanks for listening!

Episode 35 – Isobel Martin

This week on The Animal Free Labcast, Carla Owen is joined by Isobel Martin to discuss the recent parliamentary debate on ending dog experiments, sparked by a petition with over 238,000 signatures. Despite strong public and cross-party support, the government has refused to act — but momentum for Herbie’s Law is growing.

They also explore bold progress in the US, where the NIH is closing its last beagle lab and investing in human-specific science. Is the UK being left behind?

Plus, details on the launch of Herbie’s Heroes with a giant five-foot cut-out of Herbie the beagle in Westminster, and big plans for World Animal Free Research Day on 27 May!

Poll of the Week:
Do you think organisations using animals in research should be required to pay into a fund to develop non animal methods?

• Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!
• Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.
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Thanks for listening!

Episode 34 – Isobel Martin

This week on The Animal Free Labcast, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davies mark World Day for Animals in Laboratories by exposing the lack of progress in replacing animals in research, despite legal commitments.

They’re joined by Isabel Martin, Director of Public Affairs, who reveals how “replacement” is being overlooked in ethical reviews and shares bold proposals for reform. Plus, in breaking news, the FDA plans to phase out animal testing for drug development – a major step forward. But is the UK being left behind?

Poll of the Week: Is the UK being left behind following the FDA’s announcement that it is going to phase out animal testing in drug development?

• Vote in this week’s poll on X, Facebook or Instagram
• Share your views on 0208 054 9695 or email hello@animalfreeresearchuk.org
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Thanks for listening!

Episode 33 – Jens Schwamborn

This week, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davies speak with Professor Jens Schwamborn about using midbrain organoids, 3D human brain models, to study Parkinson’s without animal testing. With Parkinson’s cases rising and current treatments limited, Jens explains how these models offer a more accurate and ethical alternative to animal research, paving the way for personalised, human-specific medicine.

Poll of the Week: Do you think companies like Neuralink should stop testing brain devices on monkeys and focus on developing human-specific alternatives instead?

• Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!
• Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.
• Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Thanks for listening!

Episode 32 – Aaron Davidson

Carla Owen and Dr. Gemma Davies return with another exciting episode of the Animal Free Labcast, diving into the latest developments in the movement to end animal testing. They discuss breakthroughs in organ-on-a-chip technology and how it’s paving the way for more ethical and effective medical research.

The hosts speak with Aaron Davidsion from Animal Free Research UK  and explore the growing momentum behind Herbie’s Law and the steps being taken in Parliament to accelerate the transition to animal-free research. Plus, they tackle the ethics and effectiveness of traditional animal models versus cutting-edge alternatives that put human biology first.

Poll of the Week: Do you agree with the APPG’s purpose to build cross-party support for replacing animal experiments in medical research?

• Vote in this week’s poll on X, Facebook or Instagram
• Share your views on 0208 054 9695 or email hello@animalfreeresearchuk.org
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

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Episode 31 – British Science Week

This week, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davies explore British Science Week and the push for animal-free research. They discuss last week’s poll, where 96% of listeners rejected animal organ transplants, and highlight concerns over foetal calf serum (FCS) in labs. Special guest Dr Nick Peake, from Sheffield Hallam University, shares his pioneering work on replacing animal-derived materials with fully humanised models. These innovations, using human tissue from surgical waste, could revolutionise research and improve patient outcomes, paving the way for more ethical and effective research.

Poll of the Week: Should researchers be incentivised to replace animal-derived products like FCS?

• Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!
• Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.
• Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

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Episode 30 – Herbie’s Law & the Heart of the Matter

This week on the Animal Free Labcast, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davies chat about the recent wins for Herbie’s Law in Parliament, celebrate women who are paving the way for International Day for Women and Girls in Science and dive into questions around animal-free heart research. Plus, they tackle the tricky issue of pig-to-human heart transplants and whether it’s time to focus on human-specific, animal-free solutions. Don’t miss out on the exciting progress being made to change science for the better!

Poll of the Week: If you needed an organ transplant, would you accept one from an animal?

• Vote in this week’s poll on X, Facebook or Instagram
• Share your views on 0208 054 9695 or email hello@animalfreeresearchuk.org
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

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Episode 29 – Cinzia Allegrucci

Join us for a World Cancer Day special as Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davies explore the urgent need for human-specific cancer research. Special guest, Dr Cinzia Allegrucci, shares her groundbreaking triple-negative breast cancer research, developed entirely without animals.

• Poll of the Week: Should cancer researchers embrace non-animal methods in their work? Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!
• Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.
• Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Thanks for listening!

Episode 28 – Steve Race

The Animal Free Labcast is back with a fresh new format for 2025! 🐾 Join Carla Owen and our brand new co-host, Dr Gemma Davies, as they dive into the latest news in our mission for animal-free research. In this lively episode, we welcome special guests Steve Race MP and Isobel Martin from Animal Free Research UK.

Discover the latest updates on Herbie’s Law, aimed at creating a future where animals are no longer used in research. And hear the inspiring story of Herbie, the Beagle who has become the face of this groundbreaking campaign.

Tune in to learn how we’re putting humans, not animals, at the heart of medical research.

• Vote in this week’s poll on X, Facebook or Instagram
• Share your views on 0208 054 9695 or email hello@animalfreeresearchuk.org
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Thanks for listening!