The Animal Free Labcast

Carla and Dr Gemma Davies dig into the growing political and scientific momentum behind ending animal testing, both in the UK and around the world. At the heart of this episode is Herbie's Law, Animal Free Research UK's proposed legislation to create a clear roadmap for phasing out animal experiments. Director of Public Affairs Isabel Martin shares how support continues to build in Parli...

Hosts Carla and Dr Gemma Davis are joined by TV broadcaster and animal welfare advocate Kirsty Gallacher to mark World Animal Free Research Day 2026. The team digs into Kirsty's passion for animal welfare, the growing public awareness around the use of animals in lab testing, and why sustained campaigning and the power of a platform matter more than ever. Gemma adds a scientific reality check...

Hosts Carla and Dr Gemma Davis are joined by two special guests: Dr Jonathan Sheard, Animal Free Research UK's new Science Community Manager, and Dr Chloe Rodgers from the University of Glasgow. The team discusses an exciting new initiative to build regional scientific communities across the UK, designed to connect researchers, encourage collaboration and support the transition to animal-free...

In this episode, the team explores the growing momentum behind animal-free research, from increasing political support for Herbie’s Law to innovative breakthroughs in the lab. The discussion highlights a major parliamentary event hosted by Animal Free Research UK and a recent debate driven by a petition with over 121,000 signatures, showing strong public demand to reduce animal testing.  We revisi...

In this episode, the team tackles some of the most common and challenging questions about animal testing, from legal myths to the future of AI in science. A key focus is the misconception that animal testing is legally required in the UK. In reality, it is only permitted when no suitable alternative exists, but unclear definitions mean it is still widely used. The discussion highlights the growing...

In this episode, Carla and Dr Gemma discuss a series of exciting milestones for Animal Free Research UK. Animal testing was raised during Prime Minister’s Questions by Irene Campbell MP, bringing the issue to one of the UK’s most high-profile political stages and calling for stronger action to phase out animal experiments in medical research. The team also reflect on their appearance on BBC’s The...

In this episode, Carla and Dr Gemma reflect on a significant few weeks for Animal Free Research UK, with major developments in Parliament and across the scientific community. Two debates in the House of Commons placed animal experimentation firmly on the parliamentary record! With growing cross-party support for Herbie’s Law, a practical roadmap to phase out animal testing over the next decade. Th...

In this first episode of the new year, Carla and Dr Gemma explore encouraging progress towards animal-free research, alongside the challenges that still demand urgent action. They share exciting news about Animal Free Research UK being shortlisted for two prestigious Lush Prizes, recognising both scientific innovation and political advocacy  The conversation then turns to Westminster, where a parl...

In this year-end episode, Carla and Dr Gemma reflect on a year of real progress towards replacing animal testing with human-focused medical research. We bring together highlights from across the series, featuring scientists, campaigners, politicians and well-known supporters who are helping to drive change. You can hear about strong public backing for the charity’s campaign asks, major milestones...

In episode 49 of the Animal Free Labcast , hosts Carla and Dr. Gemma Davis welcome two key guests from Animal Free Research UK — Head of Science, Dr. Ross Dobie and Director of Public Affairs, Isobel Martin — for a deep dive into the UK government’s new strategy on phasing out animal testing. Main highlights 96% of listeners believe cancer research should prioritise replacing animal experiments. R...

In this episode of the Animal Free Labcast, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davis discuss the UK Government’s new strategy to phase out animal testing and what it means for animals and science. Early feedback from supporters shows strong concern, with 99% of poll respondents saying the strategy is too slow. They highlight AFR UK’s recent work with MPs, including six parliamentary questions calling for str...

In this special episode, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davis speak with Public Affairs Manager Aaron Davidson about the UK Government’s new strategy to accelerate the phase-out of animal testing. They outline key positives, including a clearer commitment to full replacement, investment in human-specific research hubs, better training for early-career scientists and steps to reduce publication bias. They...

In this inspiring episode, Carla and Gemma spotlight two pioneering PhD researchers from the University of Glasgow’s Lifetime CDT programme – Celia Ribes Balanza and Athena Mattheou – who are redefining what the future of science looks like. Fresh from presenting their research at the UK Parliament, Celia and Athena share how they’re helping to phase out animal testing and drive forward human-rele...

In this powerful episode, Carla and Dr. Gemma unpack the newly released 2024 Home Office statistics on animal experiments — revealing that 2.64 million procedures were carried out in British labs last year, with only a 1.2% decrease from 2023. They discuss the shocking figures behind genetically altered animals, the continued use of dogs, cats, horses, and monkeys, and why the so-called “progress”...

In this episode of the Animal Free Labcast, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davies answer your top questions about animal-free research — and record on video for the first time (tech hiccups included!). Carla shares how Animal Free Research UK is driving Herbie’s Law and working across parties to make animal-free science a political priority. Gemma explains how breakthroughs like organ-on-chip, AI models,...

This week Carla and Dr Gemma Davies speak with Dr Adjanie Patabendige from the University of Derby, who is pioneering animal-free research into how irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) may increase the risk of dementia. Using human cells and lab-grown models of the blood-brain barrier, her work replaces animal-derived materials with human equivalents, offering more relevant results and greate...

In this episode of the Animal Free Labcast, Carla and Dr Gemma Davies are joined by Dr Sam Aspinall from the University of Hertfordshire, who is developing a synthetic, animal-free alternative to gelatine – a material found everywhere from labs to healthcare to cosmetics. We unpack why gelatine, though cheap and effective, is problematic both ethically and scientifically, and explore how polymer-b...

In this episode of the Animal Free Labcast , Carla is joined by Dr Gemma Davies to tackle your burning questions about animal-free science. From why animal testing persists despite its failures, to the biggest areas of animal use in research, to the pressures scientists face — we dive deep into the realities of drug development and why human-specific methods are urgently needed. We also announce t...

“It’s awful for the animals - and it’s not even useful for the humans.” In this episode, award-winning illustrator Emily Sutton joins Carla and Dr Gemma Davies to reflect on the current state of animal use in science, as well as share the inspiration behind her stunning artwork for our Brighter Future campaign. Emily discusses the power of illustration to drive change, her lifelong love of animals...

We’re back with another great episode! Join Carla Owen and co-host Dr Gemma Davies as they sit down with Dr Stephanie Modi, Science Manager at Animal Free Research UK, to unpack a topic that affects us all – antibodies. Stephanie explains what antibodies are, how they’re used in medicine, and why most people don’t realise animals are still used to make them – over a million each year in Europe alo...

Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davies are joined by special guest Dr Dania Movia, recipient of the Animal Free Research UK Outstanding Scientist Award. The hosts share updates from Parliament, where MP visits to Animal Free Research UK-funded labs are driving support for Herbie’s Law. Steve Race MP has written an article in The House Magazine , and there has been a parliamentary debate on phasing out ani...

This week on the Animal Free Labcast, hosts Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davis are joined by three comedy favourites – Jake Lambert, Russell Kane and Diane Morgan – who share why they’re lending their voices to the Herbie’s Heroes campaign . Jake Lambert talks about his deep love for animals, Russell Kane highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership, and Diane Morgan speaks passionately about...

This week on the Animal Free Labcast, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davis spotlight the launch of the Herbie’s Heroes campaign – joined by celebrity supporters Deborah Meaden, Pandora Christie, Kirsty Gallacher, and Pete Wicks. Hear why they’re backing Herbie’s Law – from the failures of outdated animal testing to their deep personal commitment to animal welfare. Deborah Meaden says:  "I'm sup...

This week on The Animal Free Labcast, Carla Owen is joined by Isobel Martin to discuss the recent parliamentary debate on ending dog experiments, sparked by a petition with over 238,000 signatures. Despite strong public and cross-party support, the government has refused to act — but momentum for Herbie’s Law is growing. They also explore bold progress in the US, where the NIH is closing its last...

This week on The Animal Free Labcast, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davies mark World Day for Animals in Laboratories by exposing the lack of progress in replacing animals in research, despite legal commitments. They’re joined by Isabel Martin, Director of Public Affairs, who reveals how “replacement” is being overlooked in ethical reviews and shares bold proposals for reform. Plus, in breaking news, th...