Universities are the highest institutions of learning. They shape the future of science, prepare graduates for the working world, and carry the responsibility of setting global standards. With this position comes a moral duty: to ensure that education is both scientifically rigorous and free from cruelty. By continuing to rely on animal testing, universities not only promote harm but also cling to outdated methods that are unreliable and obsolete.
As recipients of public funding, universities are accountable to students, taxpayers, and society. They must demonstrate that the knowledge and research they produce is built on modern, effective technologies, not practices riddled with inaccuracies and is morally unjust. To fail in this is to betray the trust placed in them.
The global tide is turning. Students are more aware than ever of their responsibility toward animals and the planet, and many now choose their place of study based on its ethical standards. In countries like India, animal testing has already been removed from undergraduate education, proving that change is possible and practical.
A recent poll commissioned by PETA of more than 1,000 young people, including those currently attending or considering attending university, found that an overwhelming majority believe universities should stop funding animal experimentation.
Universities in the UK and beyond must decide: will they lead this transformation, or be left behind?
Our undergraduate module in Non-Animal Science gives students the opportunity to explore advanced methods and professional applications that remove the use of animals entirely. This module introduces cutting-edge non-animal technologies while embedding ethical reflection, preparing students for both further study and careers in research, healthcare, veterinary, and life sciences where compassionate and innovative science is essential.
The funders and award programmes listed below have been selected because they support research, education or regulatory validation/implementation that is entirely animal-free.
Funding opportunities are grouped as:
• Main Animal-Free Funders – core research-grant providers.
• Medical-Research Charities – disease-focused charities that support animal-free research.
• Supporting Awards / Education / Recognition – travel grants, education awards and prizes that promote humane science.
We aim to keep this directory up-to-date. Please always check each funder’s own website for the most current eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Animal-Free Research UK – UK-based; funds biomedical and toxicology research entirely animal-free (human-relevant in-vitro, organ-on-chip, in-silico).
• Includes the Centre for Human Specific Research – founded by Animal Free Research UK in 2024 to promote human-specific, animal-free methods; its grants fall under the same organisation.
Proefdiervrij – Netherlands; funds projects creating non-animal innovations for health and disease research; mission: a future entirely without animal testing.
Forska Utan Djurförsök – Sweden; grants for replacement of animal experiments, including research, validation and education projects.
NAT-Net Research Pillar Competitive Grant Scheme (UNSW / NSW Health, Australia) – competitive grants for innovative non-animal technologies in medicine & health; EMCR-led collaborative teams (3 × AUD 200 k / 2 years).
PETA Science Consortium International (PSCI) – global; provides mini-grants, equipment & training for non-animal test-method development, especially in regulatory toxicology.
HORIZON-HLTH-2024-TOOL-05-06 – Horizon Europe public call: “Strengthening EU leadership in non-animal-based biomedical research.”
Herbert Stiller Research Prize – Doctors Against Animal Experiments (DAAE) – German competitive animal-free biomedical research grant; no animal experiments and no animal-derived materials allowed; approx. €20,000; awarded biennially.
Medical-Research Charities – Animal-Free
Humane Research Trust (UK) – long-standing UK charity (est. 1961).
• Funds medical-research projects and fellowships that develop and use only animal-free methods; excludes any animal or animal-derived products.
Breast Cancer UK – Scientific Research Grants – UK charity (Charity No. 1006899).
• Funds research into preventable breast-cancer risk factors (esp. environmental chemicals).
• Strictly animal-free: funds replacement-method studies only – no animal experiments and no materials derived from animals.
Lord Dowding Fund (LDF, UK) – currently paused
• Long-standing programme funding medical research that replaces animal use.
• No active calls right now; included for historical significance and to watch for future relaunch.
MAWA Trust – Medical Advances Without Animals (Australia) – pending verification of active funding calls.
• Mission is to advance medical science without animals or animal products; historically offered scholarships, equipment and research grants.
• Website currently in interim mode; awaiting confirmation of current funding rounds.
PCRM – ERA21 Travel Awards – travel support for early-career researchers presenting animal-free work at conferences.
NAVS – Humane Science Award – US-based recognition for major contributions to humane / non-animal research.
Humane Science Innovator Award – Humane World for Animals – international recognition prize (US $10,000) for achievements that replace animal use in research or testing; presented at the World Congress on Alternatives.
CAAT – Humane Education Grants – Johns Hopkins CAAT small grants (typically ≈ US $6,000) to develop or disseminate humane-education tools and curricula that replace animal use in classrooms and training programmes.