The Animal Free Labcast

Carla Owen
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The Animal Free Labcast is hosted by the CEO of Animal Free Research UK, Carla Owen, and is a frank, lively exchange and sharing of ideas and experiences by leading scientists, policy makers and animal protection ambassadors - all of whom seek a kinder science.Carla and her guests cut through the noise to break down why we need to accelerate human relevant science if we are to end the medical emergency - that which is in large part caused by the continued reliance on animals as models for human disease research.Listen in to new episodes every two weeks, starting on June 29, 2022!

  1. Animal Free Labcast #55 - From Parliament to the Lab with Prof Delibegovic & Dr Kamli-Salino

    6D AGO

    Animal Free Labcast #55 - From Parliament to the Lab with Prof Delibegovic & Dr Kamli-Salino

    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 revisit a common myth that some scientific questions require animal research. The team explains how new technologies are enabling scientists to study disease using human biology instead. At the heart of the episode is new research from Professor Delibegovic and Dr Kamli-Salino from the University of Aberdeen, where they are developing a human kidney slice platform to study diabetic kidney disease. By using donated human tissue, this approach offers a more accurate way to understand disease and test treatments.  Looking ahead, the team explores how animal-free methods could support more effective, personalised medicine, while emphasising the importance of continued public and political engagement to drive change. Myth Buster Regulations require animals to be used in every area of research? Vote now:  Labcast Poll Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.   Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Thanks for listening! Thanks for listening! Make sure you leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram to keep up to date on all things animal free research!

    31 min
  2. Animal Free Labcast #54 - Animal Testing: Your Questions Answered

    APR 16

    Animal Free Labcast #54 - Animal Testing: Your Questions Answered

    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 shift towards human-based research methods, which are increasingly more relevant and effective than animal models. The team also address the reality that most medicines today have involved animal testing, leaving limited alternatives for patients. Looking ahead, the episode explores the complexity of phasing out animal testing, the role of new legislation, and the potential of artificial intelligence to transform research and reduce reliance on animals. Finally, the importance of public engagement is emphasised, with a reminder that contacting MPs and raising awareness can help drive change. Myth Buster There are important scientific questions that can only be answered through animal research: Myth or fact? Vote now: Labcast Poll Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.   Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Thanks for listening! Make sure you leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram to keep up to date on all things animal free research!

    32 min
  3. Animal Free Labcast #53 - Parliament, Prime-Time TV & The New Centre for Human-Specific Research

    MAR 5

    Animal Free Labcast #53 - Parliament, Prime-Time TV & The New Centre for Human-Specific Research

    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 One Show, which highlighted pioneering animal-free research funded by the charity, including lab-grown “mini hearts”, human-cell breast cancer research, and plant-based antibodies for medicine production. A major focus of the episode is the launch of the Centre for Human Specific Research, a new initiative designed to support scientists transitioning from animal experiments to human-relevant methods through funding, training, and collaboration. Myth Buster Is animal testing for medical research required by law in the UK? Myth or fact? Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!  Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.  Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Thanks for listening! Make sure you leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram to keep up to date on all things animal free research!

    29 min
  4. Animal Free Labcast #52 - Isobel Martin – Momentum for Herbie’s Law

    FEB 13

    Animal Free Labcast #52 - Isobel Martin – Momentum for Herbie’s Law

    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. The issue has now also been raised in the House of Lords, signalling increasing political momentum. The team also discuss newly released figures showing over 6.5 million animals were approved for use in UK laboratories in 2025, underscoring the urgency for reform. At the same time, advances in organoid and organ-on-chip technologies highlight the accelerating shift towards human-relevant science. Momentum is building but continued public pressure remains vital! Poll of the Week:  Would you like to see more Animal Replacement Centres or ARCs around the UK? Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!   Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.   Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Thanks for listening! Make sure you leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram to keep up to date on all things animal free research!

    25 min
  5. Animal Free Labcast #51 – Josh Abram – Hope, Policy and the Next Generation

    JAN 30

    Animal Free Labcast #51 – Josh Abram – Hope, Policy and the Next Generation

    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 parliamentary debate exposed serious regulatory failures in animal research laboratories, while also renewing calls for Herbie’s Law and a clear pathway towards replacing animal testing by 2035. The episode closes on a hopeful note with guest Josh Abram, a young researcher working with cutting-edge, animal-free cancer models, whose passion reflects the future of ethical, human-relevant science. Poll of the Week: Would you like to see more Animal Replacement Centres or ARCs around the UK? Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!   Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.   Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Thanks for listening! Make sure you leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram to keep up to date on all things animal free research!

    32 min
  6. Animal Free Labcast #50 - Looking Back, Moving Forward – End of Year Special

    12/19/2025

    Animal Free Labcast #50 - Looking Back, Moving Forward – End of Year Special

    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 for Herbie’s Law, and exciting advances in animal-free research. We also celebrate the vital role of supporters in funding innovation, influencing policy and helping to move the UK closer to ethical, human-relevant science. Our Labcasts will be back in 2026 with more insightful, inspiring and occasionally funny episodes. Thanks for listening! Thanks for listening! Make sure you leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram to keep up to date on all things animal free research!

    25 min
  7. Animal Free Labcast #49 - Strategy, Science & The Road Ahead

    12/05/2025

    Animal Free Labcast #49 - Strategy, Science & The Road Ahead

    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.Ross and Isobel agree the new government strategy is a step forward, but not ambitious enough.The plan focuses more on phasing in alternatives than phasing out animal testing — a concern for campaigners.The team outlines four priorities to push progress further:Put the strategy into law — so promises can’t quietly disappear with political change.Replace animal-derived antibodies — switching to more reliable & ethical recombinant alternatives.Give parliament a seat at the table — ensuring MPs can hold government to account.Demand transparency — clearer timelines, budgets, and implementation details.Big supporter milestone Thanks to public action, all 650 UK MPs have now been contacted about the need for animal-free science — a major breakthrough driven entirely by supporters. Poll of the week: Do you support our four campaign asks?  Vote on Instagram, X, Facebook or LinkedIn. Thanks for listening! Make sure you leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram to keep up to date on all things animal free research!

    25 min
  8. Animal Free Labcast #48 - Dr Ethan Perkins – Big Questions & Breakthrough Prostate Cancer Research

    11/21/2025

    Animal Free Labcast #48 - Dr Ethan Perkins – Big Questions & Breakthrough Prostate Cancer Research

    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 stronger legal commitments, and the 586 supporters who contacted their MPs to push for urgent action. New Home Office summaries also show that more than five million animals have been approved for experiments over the next five years. Carla and Gemma speak with Dr Ethan Perkins from the University of Bradford, whose funded research grant is developing a human-cell prostate cancer model. His organ-on-a-chip approach aims to predict drug responses more accurately, reduce the use of animals in cancer studies, and support more personalised treatments. His team has already created promising tumour structures and is preparing to test cancer drugs on these fully animal-free models. Poll of the Week: Should the Government’s strategy prioritise replacing animal experiments in cancer research? Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!   Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.   Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Thanks for listening! Make sure you leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram to keep up to date on all things animal free research!

    31 min
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About

The Animal Free Labcast is hosted by the CEO of Animal Free Research UK, Carla Owen, and is a frank, lively exchange and sharing of ideas and experiences by leading scientists, policy makers and animal protection ambassadors - all of whom seek a kinder science.Carla and her guests cut through the noise to break down why we need to accelerate human relevant science if we are to end the medical emergency - that which is in large part caused by the continued reliance on animals as models for human disease research.Listen in to new episodes every two weeks, starting on June 29, 2022!

Information

  • Creator
    Carla Owen
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Animal Free Labcast
  • Show Website
    The Animal Free Labcast

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