As we step into the new year, much of my time has been spent looking ahead: developing our budgets and workplans for 2026–27 and thinking carefully about how we can make the biggest possible impact with the resources we have. This forward planning also offers an important moment to reflect on just how vital donations are to everything we do at Replacing Animal Research, and how directly they help accelerate the replacement of animals in science. 

Planning for the year ahead

As Head of Policy and Programmes, I oversee our work across research, policy and education. Much of this work is delivered by a small but dedicated core team: myself, Juliet and Jessie, with support from our CEO, Celean, as needed. Our wider team plays an essential role too, producing resources, fundraising, communicating our work, and providing vital administrative and logistical support. 

Our work reaches a wide range of audiences, including researchers, those working within animal research regulatory frameworks, MPs, civil servants and parliamentary staff, as well as lecturers, teachers and students. A significant proportion of our activities budget each year goes towards one simple but essential thing: getting out and about. 

As a remote team, we value the benefits of modern technology. Online meetings, events and training allow us to share science and connect efficiently, like with our online resources. But to truly influence change, we cannot stay behind our desks. To ensure non-animal methods are developed, adopted and prioritised, we need to be in the same rooms as scientists, students, policymakers, funders and research leaders. That means attending conferences across science, policy and education, visiting universities, taking part in parliamentary events, and speaking directly to those shaping the future of research. 

Some people already come to us for support and advice on Replacement. But others have not yet heard of Replacing Animal Research. Reaching them is just as important. 

We can’t do it without your support

These activities come with real costs. Registering for a scientific conference alone can cost between £200 and £600, before travel and accommodation are even considered. While these expenses add up, they are an integral part of our work. Conferences and events are where new ideas are shared, awareness is raised, collaborations are formed, and attitudes begin to shift. 

They allow us to showcase the resources and support we provide to help researchers find or develop cutting-edge non-animal methods, challenge the status quo, and ensure that Replacement is part of mainstream scientific conversations every single time. 

Looking ahead

As we plan for the next financial year, we want to build on the UK Government’s commitments under the Replacing Animals in Science Strategy. A key focus will be deeper engagement with UK Government-funded Research Councils, both as funders of research and providers of doctoral training. 

We will work to support them in meeting the strategy pledge to embed robust Replacement scrutiny in research review before funding is awarded, and to ensure that scientists working in fields where animals may still be used receive mandatory training in Replacement and alternative methods. If we want to see fewer animals used in research, scientists must have the right training, skills and funding to develop and advance non-animal approaches. 

This means having strategic conversations, influencing funding and training provision, and putting Replacement front and centre from the earliest stages of scientific careers. Where promises are not kept, we will be ready to support, question and challenge as needed. 

Every donation helps make this work possible. It helps us be present where decisions are made, ensures animal replacement is taken seriously, and supports a future where science can advance without animal suffering. 

If you want to support a future where no animal suffers for science, please consider setting up a monthly donation.