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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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?

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

Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

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

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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 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! 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!