Animal-Free Science Advocacy

Join Dr. Dana Kolsky on the AFSA podcast as she delves into the world of animal rights activism with Nathan McGovern from Animal Rising. Discover insights into their controversial campaigns against animal testing, particularly targeting the MBR Acres beagle breeding facility, and the legal ramifications that followed. McGovern shares his journey into activism, the power of open rescue, and the future of animal testing in the UK. This episode highlights the complexities of ethical protest, legal consequences, and the evolving landscape of animal rights advocacy.For more information on Animal Rising and their campaigns head to https://www.animalrising.org/ Or, visit their Facebook and Instagram. To see AFSA's campaign for mandatory rehoming of research dogs and cats click here. For the full show transcript click here. Thanks for listening!

In this engaging episode of the AFSA Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Lawrence Hansen, a distinguished neuropathologist and advocate for animal-free research. We delve deep into the issues of animal experimentation in neuroscience research, addressing some of the ethical and scientific implications. The episode highlights how outdated methodologies persist despite advancements in human-relevant research techniques, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in scientific research practices. Dr. Hansen outlines the challenges inherent in studying neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s with animal models, pointing out that these models fall short of replicating the human condition. He passionately argues for a shift towards human-based research applications that show promising advancements and efficacy over traditional animal testing methods. The discussion also uncovers systemic issues in scientific communities and funding bodies that sustain outdated practices, highlighting ethical concerns and potential pathways for advocacy and change. *Note: The first two questions include quite scientific explanations—but don’t worry, the conversation quickly opens up into broader ethical issues, so we encourage all listeners (even those without a science background) to stay tuned!For more info visit AFSA. Click here to read more about primate experimentation in Australia.Read the transcript here.

This episode of the AFSA podcast features Dr. Susi Seibt, an expert in microfluidics and science communication. Dr. Susi walks us through the revolutionary advancements in non-animal research methods (NAMs) and their applications in medical research and drug development. Her discussion provides a glimpse into a future where research may no longer require animal testing.In the conversation, Dr. Susi elaborates on innovative techniques such as microfluidics and organ-on-a-chip technologies. The conversation covers the strengths and limitations of these technologies, their implementation in personalized medicine, and the global movement towards reducing animal experimentation. Investing in NAMs not only promotes ethical scientific practices but also paves the way for more accurate and human-relevant data. Click here for more information on NAMs. To hear more from Dr. Susi visit:www.shelium.nethttps://www.youtube.com/@sheliumTikTok: @shelium.scienceInstagram: @shelium.scienceRead the podcast episode transcript here.

Nicole Groch, Australian Programs Manager at Cruelty Free International and a vegan hair and makeup artist, shares insights on ending animal testing globally, the rigorous Leaping Bunny certification process, and the evolution of cruelty-free and vegan products. She discusses the transformative impact of major Australian brands like Kmart and Sukin committing to cruelty-free practices. Nicole’s personal and professional journey highlights the power of consumer choices in driving industry change, and offers practical tips for identifying genuinely cruelty-free products. Tune in to learn how your choices can support a cruelty-free future.Search for Cruelty free products | Cruelty Free InternationalNicole Groch Cruelty Free, Vegan Hair & Makeup

Maddie holds a master’s degree in Humane Education and has worked in animal protection for over a decade. During her undergraduate education, Maddie worked for two years at UW-Madison’s Harlow Primate Research Laboratory and was later diagnosed with PTSD as a result. Maddie discusses her experiences and the organisation she has co-founded, Justify. Maddie hopes Justify will establish greater transparency in the animal research industry and become the community she wishes she had when she left the primate lab in 2013.

Savita Nutan is a science communicator, educator and former researcher who founded Medicine Without Cruelty in the UK. We interviewed her for the Animal-Free Science Advocacy podcast all about why medical research needs to urgently transition away from using obsolete and cruel animal methods towards far superior animal-free methods of research.Savita Nutan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/savitanutanMedicine Without Cruelty: https://medicinewithoutcruelty.com/

Animal-Free Science Advocacy speaks with member and clinical neuroscience researcher Dr Hugo Morandini about his research and reflections on the use of animals in research. Dr Hugo Morandini is a clinical neuroscience researcher with a deep interest in animal-free research methods. He is currently a member of Animal-Free Science Advocacy's management committee. Dr Hugo Morandini at UWAWatch the podcast episode on YouTube

Would you support animal experimentation if you were diagnosed with a life threatening illness?In this episode of the Animal-Free Science Advocacy podcast, we chat with HRA supporter Belinda who is a passionate animal advocate. She shares her perspective on animal experimentation and her experiences living through cancer.

For several years, Animal-Free Science Advocacy has been closely monitoring the use of forced inhalation studies in Australian Institutions.This led to the development of our report: "Optimising Inhalation Research: Transitioning to Human-relevant Science."In this episode we interview the report's author, Natalie Anderson, a respiratory research scientist, who also works as Animal-Free Science Advocacy's Science Outreach Consultant. In this podcast episode, she’ll be stepping us through the key findings from our report and sharing her insights as a scientist who specialises in this field of research.There are safe, precise and animal-free methods that can be used instead of these tests.Read our report: Optimising Inhalation Research: Transitioning to Human-relevant ScienceLearn more about our Forced to Smoke campaign.

In this Animal-Free Science Advocacy podcast, we take a look at the obscure and courageous history of the anti-vivisection movement throughout the world. Learn about the trailblazing Australian organisations that paved the way for Animal-Free Science Advocacy's work in Australia today.

In this episode of the Animal-Free Science Advocacy podcast we look at the effectiveness of Australia's current laws regarding freedom of information requests (FOI's). Is this an effective advocacy tool for organisations in the USA, Australia and the United Kingdom to uncover animal experimentation in secretive laboratory settings?