Replacing Animal Research

09/10/2026

The UK Government has set a target to end animal testing "in all but exceptional circumstances." It's a landmark ambition, but it hinges entirely on three words: all but exceptional.

What actually counts as an exceptional circumstance?

If we don't define this strictly, "exceptional" risks becoming a catch-all loophole.

In our latest blog post, CEO Celean tackles this problem head-on. She argues that instead of treating animal tests as the default, research should start with a fundamental shift in how we evaluate projects, passing four strict, cumulative hurdles before animal use could ever be considered:

1) Is the purpose genuinely critical? Scientific curiosity alone isn't enough to cross the threshold.

2) Can the question be answered without new animal use? Combining existing human data, cell models, and computer simulations must be fully exhausted first.

3) Will the animal experiment actually yield reliable answers? If a model is poorly predictive or the results would be ambiguous, it shouldn't be authorised just because it's traditional.

4) Is it strictly temporary? Any exception must be time-limited and directly trigger investment into non-animal solutions so the gap is closed for good.

When you apply all four tests together, true "exceptional circumstances" become extraordinarily rare.

Read Celean's full analysis on why tightening this definition is critical to making the government's strategy succeed:

See what Replacing Animal Research had to say about What does exceptional mean?

08/10/2026

Last year there were 2.54 million experiments using animals, in Great Britain alone.

Worldwide, it's estimated over 150 million animals are used in research every year.

But there's a different path forward. A future where no animal suffers for science.

It's better for animals and people. Will you join us?

06/10/2026

Andreea Scorupschi is an MPhil Health Sciences student at Cardiff Metropolitan University and one of our 2026 Summer Studentship scheme winners.

Under the supervision of Dr Sarah Hooper, she's investigating how treatment for chronic wounds can be improved.

Currently, chronic wounds affect millions of people, are costly to treat, and are a significant burden on the NHS.

These wounds can last months or years, causing pain and reducing quality of life.

Most research into wound infection and treatment still relies on animal ‘models’ such as mice, rats, pigs, and rabbits. However, animal skin and immune systems differ from humans, meaning results do not always translate well to patient care. These studies can also involve invasive procedures and raise significant ethical concerns.

Andreea’s project aims to improve a human-based laboratory model of chronic wounds so that it better mimics what happens in real patients.

She shares "While animal models have played a vital role in biomedical research, I support the goal of replacing animal research with more human-relevant experimental systems. Developing alternative models that are scientifically solid and ethically responsible is a crucial step forward."

29/09/2026

How we teach science matters just as much as what we teach.

In her latest blog, our Head of Policy and Programmes Amy Beale reflects on the 'hidden curriculum' in UK classrooms. From using woodlice in biology practicals to dissecting animal tissue, traditional teaching methods can inadvertently send the message that animals are simply tools for scientific study.

With modern 3D digital software, non-invasive observations, and human cell cultures available, we no longer need to rely on living creatures or animal tissue to teach rigorous science. Replacing these outdated practices not only protects animals, but also ensures education is inclusive for students with ethical or religious concerns.

Read Amy's blog to find out how updating classroom tools can help foster a more compassionate, innovative generation of scientists:

See what Replacing Animal Research had to say about The Hidden Curriculum

25/09/2026

Do you believe in a future where no animal suffers for science?

Do you have spare time you can volunteer to make a difference to the lives of animals and humans?

If so, we would love you to consider being one of our new Trustees!

At Replacing Animal Research, we’ve been working for over half a century to replace the use of animals in research. We have significantly contributed to the development, and uptake, of non-animal methods by:

- Empowering scientists with our educational opportunities.
- Funding exciting research aimed at replacing animals and improving human healthcare.
- Collaborating with policymakers to ensure more rigorous policy on the use of animals in science.

Time commitment is around 5 hours a month (8 days annually) and the role is primarily remote with potentially one in-person away day a year.

Learn more about the role: https://www.charityjob.co.uk/volunteer-jobs/replacing-animal-research/trustee/1084368?tsId=36

*Applications close midnight 10th October*

24/09/2026

Young researchers like Ali Abid Fazil at London South Bank University show the future of research is bright (and animal free!)

Ali is a third year Biomedical Sciences student at London South Bank University, and one of our 2026 Summer Studentship winners. Under the guidance of his supervisor, Dr Valentina Caputo Galarce, he is working on a project focused on treatment resistant multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow.

Currently, much research relies on mice with weakened immune systems, which does not properly mimic how human patients respond to treatments, especially newer therapies that depend on the immune system.

Ali’s project aims to create a more realistic model of multiple myeloma using human cells to recreate key features of the bone marrow environment so that cancer cell behaviour can be studied more accurately.

As Ali shares "For me, replacing animal research is not just about removing animals from experiments; it is about developing better science.”

22/09/2026

Happy Autumn!

As the days get cooler, it's officially time to pull out the warm layers. But if your autumn wardrobe needs a little refresh, you can switch up your style and make a real difference at the same time.

Our online shop is full of autumn essentials like cosy jumpers and joggers!

Best of all? Every purchase directly supports our work creating a future where no animal suffers for science.

Browse the full collection here: https://replacing-animal-research.teemill.com/

17/09/2026

When you work behind the scenes in charity communications, you watch individual feelings and connections become societal trends.

Suddenly you're sitting in an office staring at a dashboard that proves society has clear, stubborn favourites.

It leaves those of us working at Replacing Animal Research in a strange position. We have to confront that exact species hierarchy every day, then make strategic decisions on how to reach people who care deeply about pets, but turn a blind eye to a fish or a lab mouse.

Lucinda from Comms writes about the disconnect of seeing those numbers first-hand, human evolutionary bias, and what it actually takes to engage people with the animals society leaves behind.

See what Replacing Animal Research had to say about Animals and algorithms

14/09/2026

Mice are the most commonly used animal in biomedical research (by a lot).

Last year, in Great Britain, 70% of all experiments using animals used mice.

That's over one and a half million experiments!

But that doesn't need to be the future. We can create a future where no animal suffers for science.

11/09/2026

Join our weekly charity lottery from just £1 a week for your chance to win up to £25,000, all while funding humane science that replaces the use of animals in research.

Every ticket helps create a future where medical progress doesn’t come at an animal’s expense. So go ahead, play, give, and win!

Join our lottery for the chance to win £25,000 every week! By playing, you will be supporting our goal in creating a world where no animal suffers for science!