UK to Lead in Search for Animal Test Alternatives  

A world’s first education and research initiative announced on January 16th will see the UK spearhead a collaborative global search for more ethical, human-relevant alternatives to animal testing. To be led by The Dr Hadwen Trust (DHT), and Queen Mary, University of London, the DHT is to fund the first Professorial Chair in animal replacement science thanks to a £1 million legacy left specifically for this purpose by lifelong supporter Alan Stross.

The successful applicant will be based at Queen Mary’s Blizard Institute - a recognised pioneer in the development of in vitro models using human cells and tissue and in particular the development of three-dimensional models in cutaneous (skin), gastroenterology and cancer research. Areas of special focus will include 3D cell culture, 3D modelling and bioinformatics and regenerative medicine with particular emphasis on, but not limited to, diseases of the skin and the digestive tract

Kailah Eglington, Chief Executive of the Dr Hadwen Trust, said: “Creating the world’s first professorial chair in animal replacement science is a major stepping stone towards the development of a global community of scientists working together towards finding cures that replace the use of animals and are more human-relevant.

A change in UK legislation, directed by the EU, came into force in January which ensures that alternative, non-animal research techniques are used in medical research if they are available.

Applications for the DHT Professorial Chair in Animal Replacement Science at the Blizard Institute, Queen Mary will be invited in March 2013.