Dr Hadwen Trust funds professorial chair in animal replacement science
Will focus on 3D cell culture, modelling and bioinformatics and regenerative medicine
An education and research initiative announced today (16 January) will see the UK spearhead a collaborative global search for more ethical alternatives to animal testing.
The Dr Hadwen Trust (DHT), the UK’s humane medical research charity, and Queen Mary, University of London, have joined forces to lead the global development of human-relevant methods and alternatives to animal use in a number of areas of bio-medical research.
The Dr Hadwen Trust is to fund the first Professorial Chair in animal replacement science thanks to a £1m legacy left to the charity 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 3D models in cutaneous (skin), gastroenterology and cancer research.
Areas of special focus will include 3D cell culture, 3D modelling and bioinformatics and regenerative medicine
Kailah Eglington, CEO 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.
‘This branch of science is becoming increasingly accepted among the scientific community and it is vital that scientists and researchers are aware that successful alternatives to animal testing are available today and that more are needed.’
Professor Mike Curtis, director of the Blizard Institute and Deputy Vice Principal for Health at Queen Mary, University of London, said: ‘Our aim is to encourage and stimulate research and education in animal replacement science of the highest quality.
‘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.’
A change in UK legislation, directed by the EU, comes into force this month, which ensures that alternative, non-animal research techniques are used in medical research if they are available.
The DHT Professorial Chair at the Blizard Institute will play a pivotal role in leading the UK’s response to this legislative change by creating links between scientists in the sector and in identifying areas of best practice in replacement science. Applications for the position will be invited in March.
