I’m Amy, Head of Policy and Programmes at Replacing Animal Research.

I oversee all our work to support scientists to find and use replacements. We do this in many different ways including the provision of research funding, influencing policy and regulation to prioritise non-animal methods in science; and our work to support and train scientists throughout their education and research careers.

I have always had a love of animals and biology. I graduated from De Montfort University in 1999 with a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science. After completing a PGCE at the University of Nottingham in 2002, I became a secondary school science and A-level Biology teacher with over 15 years of experience teaching GCSE Science.

My passion for animal welfare led to a shift in my career when I worked for the RSPCA from 2010 – 2012. It was here I was first introduced to the 3Rs principles and in particular the legal and ethical requirement to prioritise the replacement of animals in research and testing. This was obviously a philosophy I supported already, but I had little understanding of how this was implemented in practice, or barriers to progress. On my brief return to teaching, I started to explore this topic more with students in my science lessons before joining Replacing Animal Research in 2018.

I feel lucky to work for such an inspirational, adaptable and empathetic charity that is willing to work with stakeholders across the scientific and political community to achieve change. I am very excited to see where the next few years take us.

Email: amy@replacinganimalresearch.org.uk