About Us
Understanding Animal Research aims to achieve understanding and acceptance of the need for humane animal research in the UK, by maintaining and building informed public support and a favourable policy climate for animal research.
The information provided by Understanding Animal Research is based on very thorough research and understanding of the facts, historical and scientific.
Understanding Animal Research seeks to engage with and inform many sectors to bring about its vision. Key stakeholders include members of the public, the media, policy makers, schools and the scientific research community.
History and Structure
Understanding Animal Research was founded at the end of 2008 by bringing together two UK organisations, Research Defence Society and Coalition for Medical Progress. It is a membership organisation with over 110 member organisations and many more individual supporters. Organisational members are drawn from various sectors including academic, pharmaceutical, charities, research funders, professional and learned societies, and trades unions.
Any person who supports our mission and a set of principles may join the organisation as an associate. You can sign up here. Organisations who wish to join Understanding Animal Research should email for further information.
Staff
Understanding Animal Research has a small London office. The staff are:
Dr Simon Festing Chief Executive
Barbara Davies Communications Director
Lorraine Eastmond Office Manager & PA to the CEO
Corina Hadjiodysseos Communications & Public Affairs Manager (currently on maternity leave)
Catherine de Lange Science Communications Officer
Kirk Leech Senior Project Manager
John Meredith Education Manager
Emma Stokes Science Policy Officer
Jessica Strangward, Schools Liaison Officer
Dr Annabella Williams Science Writer/Editor
Governance
The Council of Understanding Animal Research is equivalent to the Board of Directors. Members of Council sit as individuals, and bring knowledge of the different sectors which the organisation represents. Council members are voted in at AGMs. They are selected for the skills they bring, as well as having an interest in the aims of the organisation.
Professor Frances Balkwill (Chairman)
Professor Roger Lemon (Hon Secretary)
Paul Sanders (Hon Treasurer)
Dr Tony Causey
Gill Hilsdon
Peter Hollins
Alistair Kent
Professor Clive Page
Dr Mark Tricklebank
Dr Ian Viney
Dr Philip Wright
Registered office
25 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EG
Tel 020 7287 2818
Fax 020 7287 2627
Email
Company number IP28954R
VAT number 653 4774 16
Location
Get in-depth information on the contribution of animal research to medicine
