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About us

The Humane Research Trust is a UK charity. Since 1961 we have supported scientists to find ways to replace animals in medical research.
We believe in a future where medicine has progressed beyond animal experimentation. That is why we provide grants to scientists, so they can research human health using non-animal methods. 

With our support, researchers have made significant breakthroughs in a broad range of fields, from neurology to cancer research. But there is still a long way to go. In the UK, millions of animals are used for medical research every single year. 

Ultimately, we want to change this. The charity relies entirely on your generous donations to continue funding pioneering humane research.
Our belief
Our vision
Our mission
Our ethics
Human models for human diseases
We strongly believe that human cells and tissue provide the best and most accurate models for human disease.

This belief is exemplified by the current research we are supporting. It is the fundamental basis on which we award our grants.
A world where no animals or animal products are used to research human health
We are committed to a future where the use of animals and animal-derived materials is obsolete in all medical research projects throughout the world.
To educate and support scientists to find and use alternatives to animals and animal products in medical research
Alongside our programme of research grants, we are also committed to promoting the efficacy of non-animal models in medical research.

To learn more about what we are doing to achieve our vision, please read our 2023-2026 Strategy.
Animal welfare is just as important as human health
We have a strong and genuine passion for animals and people and our goal is to reduce suffering for us all. We believe that medical research involving animals cannot be justified, whatever the circumstance.

What we do

To date, we have invested over £12 million into research projects across the UK.
We use the funds we raise to support pioneering projects that will lead to:
  • Improvements in medical research techniques
  • Advances in human health
  • The replacement of animals in research
Our extensive grants programme includes the financing of university research fellowships and other projects. This covers a wide range of research techniques and human disease areas. We are proud to have funded cutting-edge science that has successfully brought about change for both people and animals.

Block
Animal research in the UK
Learn how animal research is regulated here in the UK
Read the latest statistics on animals used in British labs
Discover more about humane, non-animal research methods

Keep up-to-date with the latest in humane research

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