Want to make a difference? There are lots of ways you can support our work - from fundraising to sharing our posts and exploring our gift range. Every action helps us fund research that improves human health while reducing the need for animals in science. Discover 4 ways you can help 💙

Research doesn't have to cost animals. Every day, scientists are developing innovative methods that can advance medical research without relying on animal experiments. We're proud to fund research that benefits humans and replaces animals. 🔬 Better science 🐾 Fewer animals 💙 A more humane future.

We're proud to support pioneering, animal-free research at the University of Oxford. 💬 Dr Paul Holloway said: "By specifically supporting animal-free research, the Humane Research Trust is accelerating the development of technologies that allow scientists to study disease using human cells."

Today is World Head and Neck Cancer Day. Did you know that head and neck cancer is the 8th most common cancer in the UK, with around 12,000 new cases diagnosed annually? We spoke to our funded researcher, Dr Nik Hodges, and shared 5 things you might not know. 📖 Read more: https://bit.ly/4fJGZij

We're looking for a new Chair of Trustees. Help shape the future of humane medical research. - Voluntary position - 1-3 hours a week Find out more: https://ow.ly/k3Et50ZpVQU

Guinea pigs are beloved pets, yet thousands are used in research. In the UK, 2,693 procedures used guinea pigs in 2024. At THRT we fund human-relevant research to replace animal experiments. On World Guinea Pig Day, help create a future free from animal testing. Donate: https://bit.ly/4bwEDRn

It's Social Media Giving Day💙 One post can raise awareness. One share can inspire action. One donation can help fund the future of medical research. We fund human-relevant research with the potential to replace animal experiments & improve human health outcomes Donate here: https://bit.ly/4bwEDRn

Over 6,000 rabbits were experimented on in British laboratories in 2024 alone. That equates to nearly 120 new bunnies being subject to experimentation, every single week. ⁠ #RabbitAwarenessWeek

When people think about animal welfare, they often picture companion animals or wildlife. Laboratory animals are easier to forget. #UKWeekForTheAnimals is about remembering all animals - including those we rarely see.

This #BringYourDogToWorkDay, we'd like to introduce you to Bertie, one of our resident office dogs! 🐾⁠ ⁠ As we work towards a kinder world for all creatures, our furry colleagues remind us of the joy that animals bring into our lives.⁠ ⁠ #OfficeDogs

Smaller charities tend to specialise in niche or under-funded areas. ⚠️ But when support is concentrated among a few very large charities, this kind of work is vulnerable. This #SmallCharityWeek, we'd like to thank those of you who support us - you're making an outsized difference!

⚠️ Mould poses a huge risk to our health. This #LoveYourLungsWeek we're proudly spotlighting research we're funding at The University of Manchester to tackle fungal respiratory infections. Read more about this project: https://humaneresearch.org.uk/research/tackling-fungal-lung-infections/

📢 NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITY. We're excited to be offering grant funding focused on the use of non-animal models to study the link between microbes and neurological conditions. To learn more, and to apply, visit ⤵️ https://ow.ly/wVc850Z4L6A

This Global Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Awareness Day, we're proud to spotlight the cutting-edge research we're funding at The University of Edinburgh. Find out more: https://humaneresearch.org.uk/research/understanding-the-cause-of-motor-neuron-disease/⁠

From the THRT archive! 📂 For decades, THRT has been challenging the scientific status quo - calling for research that is ethical, human-relevant and capable of delivering real medical progress without harming animals.

There’s less than two weeks left to enter our calendar photo competition! We welcome images of: 🐶 companion animals 🐱 animal friends 🦋 wildlife 👉 https://humaneresearch.org.uk/2027-animal-calendar-competition/

This #NationalAnimalRightsWeek we're thinking about our role in supporting animal welfare. At The Humane Research Trust, we don’t campaign for animal rights, we fund research to help make animal testing obsolete.

📢 Opportunity for UK medical researchers to join our scientific advisory panel! We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, including academics as well as scientists using in vitro models in the pharmaceuticals industry. View the full details: https://humaneresearch.org.uk/advisors-wanted/

📸 Calling all animal lovers! Our animal and wildlife photography competition is still open.🐾 Alongside celebrating the beauty of animals, the calendar raises vital funds for animal-free, human-relevant medical research. 👉 Enter here: https://humaneresearch.org.uk/2027-animal-calendar-competition/

When 'safe in preclinical testing' fails to predict human harm: the Vioxx case. If we want safer medicines, we need to look closely at animal‑based safety paradigms, and make use of human‑relevant approaches that better capture risks in humans.

🎨 Creatives: we’re inviting you to design a t-shirt for our charity for a cash prize! The winning design will help spread the message that medical research doesn’t have to harm animals. Enter: https://humaneresearch.org.uk/t-shirt-design-competition-2026/

There are a lot of myths about how and why animals are used in labs. That's why we've put together a clear, evidence‑based breakdown of the most common myths and the real facts behind them. Read more here: https://humaneresearch.org.uk/animal-research-myths-and-facts/

🚨 In case you missed it: New whistleblower footage has been released showing the reality of animal testing inside UK labs. 👉 Watch the footage: http://www.animalaid.org.uk/news/breaking-licensed-cruelty-in-uk-labs-exposed/ 📷 Photo credits: Animals Australia and Animal Aid

A major new patient-based study has strengthened the link between multiple sclerosis and the Epstein-Barr virus. Progress for people with MS depends on research that reflects the real complexity of the human body. #WorldMSDay

Huge study reveals how Epstein-Barr virus may cause multiple sclerosis

The Epstein-Barr virus seems to affect gene expression and cell signalling in a way that causes the autoimmune condition multiple sclerosis

newscientist.com

This #StrokeAwarenessMonth, we’re highlighting THRT‑funded research at the University of Oxford to develop a human-relevant model of cerebral small vessel disease, a major cause of stroke. 🔗 https://humaneresearch.org.uk/research/a-new-model-of-cerebral-small-vessel-disease/

Congratulations to the winners of our 'Name the dog' competition we hosted at Bramhall Duck Race last weekend! 🏆 🥇 Frank won our big dog teddy 🥈 Viv won our gift hamper g hamper of goodies from our shop Thanks to everyone who took part in the competition and helped us raise funds for our cause.

💚 A huge well done to supporter, Cheryl who took on the Jurassic Coast Challenge for humane research. Cheryl smashed her fundraising target, raising vital funds to support animal‑free, human‑relevant medical research. She's now upped her goal - show her support! 👇 https://ow.ly/SbvT50Z1Fqc

This #DementiaActionWeek we’re calling for a shift towards human‑relevant research that reflects the real complexity of dementia, and offers genuine hope to the people still waiting.

Exciting news! ✨ Our spring newsletter is now in the post to supporters. 🗞️ If you're not currently subscribed via post and would like to receive a copy, please do DM us.

It's a common misconception that the safety testing of potential medicines has to be done on animals. The UK gov confirms: 💬 "There is no legislation that mandates animal testing." 💬 "Data from a suitably validated model could be submitted in lieu of animal data." #ClinicalTrialsDay