We are delighted to announce that we have awarded £1.04 million to new animal-free research projects!
The Humane Research Trust is excited to have pledged funding to five new projects at leading UK universities. These grants will support pioneering scientists to gain cutting-edge insights into a broad range of human diseases, using only humane, non-animal methods. This work will advance human health, whilst saving the lives of animals.
Learn about the groundbreaking projects we began funding in the spring/summer of 2025:
Led by Prof Deepak Kalaskar, University College London
By harnessing microfluidic and 3D bioprinting technologies, the scientists will model the structure and function of human blood vessels in the laboratory. This will offer a new way to study the factors affecting normal vascular function and the changes that cause cardiovascular disease. Using this model, researchers can develop better diagnostic tools and interventions, without using animals.
Led by Dr Thomas Theil, University of Edinburgh
Using human brain cells grown in the laboratory, the researchers will look at the role of genes in affecting the balance of different neuron types. In particular, they want to discover how disruptions in the primary cilia - antenna-like structures that come out of cells - influence neuron development. This will reveal new insights into the factors that may contribute to conditions like autism.
Led by Prof Margaret Hosie, University of Glasgow
The researchers will use donated human tissue to develop an ex vivo model of the human tonsils for testing vaccines. Using 3D cell culture techniques, the scientists will develop an animal-free platform for studying human immune responses. By applying their model to assess the measles vaccine, the scientists will prove it could replace animal testing in the preclinical stages of vaccine development.
Led by Dr Nikolas Hodges, University of Birmingham
Harnessing an innovative 3D cell culture model, the scientists will test potential treatments for head and neck cancer. They’ll target head and neck tumour cells with drugs using a nanoparticle drug delivery system. This will offer a way to test and refine nanoparticle-based treatments without animal testing. The novel therapeutics being tested will hopefully result in better outcomes for patients.
Led by Prof Sven Bestmann, University College London
The scientists will use cutting-edge wearable brain and spinal sensors and muscle activity monitors to gather data from patients. This will reveal how communication happens within the central nervous system, and the changes that occur following spinal cord injury or stroke. This work will deliver new insights into recovery and help develop better treatments for neurological conditions.
Here at the Trust, we are incredibly grateful to our community of supporters, whose generosity has enabled us to award this vital funding.
We are currently fundraising so we can continue to pioneer science that replaces animal research. If you would like to help us fund more research, please consider donating to our charity today.
