Anti-Vivisection Group Offers $50K Grant for Research Alternatives

An anti-vivisection organization has announced a significant grant aimed at reducing reliance on animal testing in research. The New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society (NZAVS) has created a $50,000 research grant to support the development of alternative methods that do not involve animal experimentation. This initiative reflects a growing call for ethical research practices and aims for a decrease in the number of animals used in scientific studies.

The funding has been positively received by researchers who share a commitment to reducing animal use but acknowledge the continuing necessity of animal studies in scientific advancement. Jodi Salinsky, an animal welfare officer at the University of Auckland, stated, “Nobody wants to use animals for research. We do it because we believe that it is necessary to move forward research that is beneficial for humans, the animals or the environment.”

Funding for Alternatives in Research

Salinsky, who has over 20 years of experience as a veterinarian, emphasizes that while animals play a vital role in scientific research, there is a pressing need to explore alternatives. Currently, all research involving animals must receive approval from an animal ethics committee, which evaluates projects based on the 3Rs: replacement, reduction, and refinement. These principles aim to minimize harm to animals involved in research.

Despite the ethical considerations, Aotearoa lacks dedicated public funding for methods that replace animal use. Salinsky noted that the support from NZAVS for tertiary organizations is especially crucial given the challenging research funding landscape. Jade Pengelly, executive officer of NZAVS, believes that recent technological advancements present exciting opportunities. However, she pointed out that over 300,000 animals continue to be utilized in research annually in New Zealand, with only a slight decline from 324,395 in 2000 to 316,568 in 2023.

In 2023 alone, 45,344 animals were killed for research purposes, while 81,443 others died or were euthanized during or after experimentation. Additionally, 110,565 animals were bred for research but euthanized without being used. Pengelly expressed concern over these high numbers, stating, “It’s a really high number of animals that are being killed every year in New Zealand in the name of science.” She hopes the grant will stimulate innovative approaches, ultimately leading to a significant reduction in the number of animals harmed or killed in research.

Encouraging Innovation in Research Practices

Preference for the grant will be given to proposals that demonstrate long-term impact, such as curriculum changes or policies aimed at phasing out animal use. Michael Pankhurst, a senior lecturer at Otago University and a board member of the Australia and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching, highlighted the potential of the grant to foster meaningful change. He noted that the funding could support one or two research teams in developing alternative methods that could be widely adopted.

Pankhurst’s laboratory employs a range of methodologies, including animal studies, in vitro techniques using cells, computer modeling, and human studies utilizing blood samples and donated tissues. While there is a growing trend towards alternative methods, he pointed out that technologies such as organoids and organ-on-a-chip models can be costly. Moreover, limited research funding remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption of these alternatives.

Despite these advancements, Pankhurst believes that completely replacing animal experimentation is unlikely in the near future. He stated, “Without them, we’d be missing out on a lot of important discoveries.” The grant application process is currently open and will close in January, presenting a timely opportunity for researchers eager to explore innovative methods in their work.

This initiative underscores the ongoing dialogue about ethical practices in research and the balance between scientific discovery and animal welfare.