Animal Free Labcast #49 - Strategy, Science & The Road Ahead Artwork

The Animal Free Labcast

The Animal Free Labcast is hosted by the CEO of Animal Free Research UK, Carla Owen, and is a frank, lively exchange and sharing of ideas and experiences by leading scientists, policy makers and animal protection ambassadors - all of whom seek a kinder science.Carla and her guests cut through the noise to break down why we need to accelerate human relevant science if we are to end the medical emergency - that which is in large part caused by the continued reliance on animals as models for human disease research.Listen in to new episodes every two weeks, starting on June 29, 2022!

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The Animal Free Labcast

Animal Free Labcast #49 - Strategy, Science & The Road Ahead

December 05, 2025 • Carla Owen

In episode 49 of the Animal Free Labcast, hosts Carla and Dr. Gemma Davis welcome two key guests from Animal Free Research UK — Head of Science, Dr. Ross Dobie and Director of Public Affairs, Isobel Martin — for a deep dive into the UK government’s new strategy on phasing out animal testing.

Main highlights

96% of listeners believe cancer research should prioritise replacing animal experiments.
Ross and Isobel agree the new government strategy is a step forward, but not ambitious enough.
The plan focuses more on phasing in alternatives than phasing out animal testing — a concern for campaigners.
The team outlines four priorities to push progress further:

Put the strategy into law — so promises can’t quietly disappear with political change.
Replace animal-derived antibodies — switching to more reliable & ethical recombinant alternatives.
Give parliament a seat at the table — ensuring MPs can hold government to account.
Demand transparency — clearer timelines, budgets, and implementation details.

Big supporter milestone

Thanks to public action, all 650 UK MPs have now been contacted about the need for animal-free science — a major breakthrough driven entirely by supporters.

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