The Humane Research Trust

Something heartwarming for you this Friday: check out this video of a beagle who had been used as a test subject, finally taking his first steps as a free pup! 🐶 💬 "He was bred to be used in animal testing, was tested on since puppyhood, and was kept in a cage without any enrichment or love." "Unfortunately we don't know the exact types of testing Zoomer experienced, but they were almost certainly inhumane, dangerous, and painful." A lot of people don't realise that dogs, usually beagles, are still used in medical research even here in the UK. While Zoomer is now living the good life, having been recently adopted by new human companions, sadly not every dog will be so lucky.

⏰ FINAL REMINDER: There's only 2 weeks left until the deadline to submit to the special edition of Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, focusing on advances in non-animal models and data analysis for drug development. They're currently seeking review submissions on animal-free approaches such as 3D in vitro cell cultures and in silico mathematical and computer modelling, and more. 🗓️ Submission deadline: 31 January 2025 🔗 Learn more and submit your paper: https://lnkd.in/eztcPKhT

If you're a biomedical researcher looking to innovate in your field, 'Best practice in non-animal research methods' is the opportunity for you! ⚠️ Last chance to access the discounted early bird rate - offer expires 24 January. Perfect for academics, those working in pharmaceuticals and for other corporations, as well as students and early career researchers alike, this 2-day event is the first of its kind! Benefit from expert talks, enlightening panel discussions, product and technology showcases, posters, plenty of networking opportunities, plus a drinks reception and dinner. 📍 Radisson Hotel York 📅 March 26 - 27 Hosted by The Humane Research Trust, Replacing Animal Research, Animal Free Research UK. Learn more and book your tickets: https://lnkd.in/eJBdjrzY

Apply now for research funding from the Humane Research grant scheme! We designed this funding opportunity to support researchers in developing cutting-edge humane research. The scheme is open to: 👩🔬 scientists at a UK university, hospital, or research centre 🧪 who are working on projects designed to advance human health 🐰 using non-animal research techniques and materials. Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 23 February 2025. Find out more about this opportunity: https://lnkd.in/efXtxKV6 #ResearchGrant #ResearchUK #BiomedicalResearch

Meet the scientists pioneering an animal-free model to study metabolic disease. 👋 We're currently funding a team at the University of Bristol to develop a 3D bioprinted tissue model of human fat tissue that can mimic all typical changes associated with obesity-related conditions. Specifically, they're looking at the roles of the two different types of macrophages, the immune cells in adipose tissue, in disease onset. One type of macrophage controls tissue growth in response to increased caloric intake, whilst another is involved in the inflammation that causes insulin resistance. They think that macrophage mediated inflammation could be a promising target for developing new treatments! 💊 "This model will form the first ever human based tool that we can use to study in depth the mechanisms associated with obesity and metabolic dysfunction," says Dr Asme Boussahel, the project's principal investigator. Learn more about this research: https://lnkd.in/eqzfQ2au #NationalObesityWeek

As it's a new year, we thought we'd take a moment to re-introduce ourselves. We're The Humane Research Trust, and we've been working for over 60 years to replace the use of animals in medical research with humane, non-animal alternatives. We support scientists at leading UK universities to investigate a range of human diseases, from deadly cancers to debilitating neurological conditions. To date, we've funded over 280 scientific projects! This work has improved our understanding of these illnesses, leading the way towards improved treatments and better outcomes for patients. 💪 And all these scientific advancements were done using outdated and cruel animal experiments, saving countless animal lives and proving that there is a better way for science without suffering.

Fascinating article discussing the use of animal-derived Matrigel and synthetic hydrogel scaffolds in organoid culture. 💬 "A limitation of natural Matrigel is that the components are complex and ambiguous, preventing a complete understanding of the specific mechanisms of action of Matrigel in cell culture, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery," say the authors. "Moreover, there is an urgent need to discover biomaterials more suitable for organoid growth and that better stimulate microenvironment of real organs." https://lnkd.in/e2BjPGAU

The latest Humane Research grant round is currently open! This is a research funding opportunity open to medical researchers across the UK. 🧫 We fund projects to advance understanding of human diseases without the use of animals or animal-derived products. Applications are currently open for the scheme, click the link below to learn more ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/efXtxKV6 #ResearchGrant #ResearchUK #BiomedicalResearch

🥂 Here's to 2025! Happy New Year from all of us here at the Trust. We hope you had fun celebrating on New Year's Eve, and are now having a restful bank holiday.

🚨 REMINDER: There's just one month left to go to submit to Advances in Animal Free Models and Data Analysis for Drug Development, a special edition of Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine. The journal is currently seeking review submissions on animal-free approaches such as 3D in vitro cell cultures and mathematical and computer modelling. 🗓️ Submission deadline: 31 January 2025 🔗 Learn more and submit your paper: https://lnkd.in/eztcPKhT