Animal-Free Science Advocacy

Rachel Smith
  • 0.0 (0)
  • GOVERNMENT

Campaigning for a future where no animals are harmed in the name of science, and scientific progress is advanced through animal-free research methods. Opinions expressed by guests in the AFSA podcast are their own and independent of AFSA. 

  1. The Hidden Truth: How Australians Really Feel About Animal Testing

    FEB 10

    The Hidden Truth: How Australians Really Feel About Animal Testing

    In this episode of the AFSA Podcast, Dr. Dana Kolsky and Dr. Elena Schaller unravel the findings of our 2025 national opinion poll on animal testing in Australia. Commissioned by AFSA and conducted by Nexus Research, the results are both surprising and encouraging. Dana and Elena discuss how public sentiment toward animal experimentation has evolved over the years and explores the broader implications of these attitudes. From a revealing study that surveyed 1,000 Australians, they dive deep into the public's growing awareness and demand for transparency and ethical reform in animal research.Click here to read more on AFSA's recent opinion poll. Read the transcript. *Note: Re the discussion on animal rehoming in Australia, there is legislation in NSW that mandates the rehoming of dogs and cats after 3 years of use in research (the NSW Animal Research Amendment Act (Right to Release Act) 2022).

    20 min
  2. The Psychology of Animal Research: An Ethical Reckoning

    08/27/2025

    The Psychology of Animal Research: An Ethical Reckoning

    In this engaging episode of the AFSA Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Lawrence Hansen, a distinguished neuropathologist and advocate for animal-free research. We delve deep into the issues of animal experimentation in neuroscience research, addressing some of the ethical and scientific implications. The episode highlights how outdated methodologies persist despite advancements in human-relevant research techniques, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in scientific research practices.  Dr. Hansen outlines the challenges inherent in studying neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s with animal models, pointing out that these models fall short of replicating the human condition. He passionately argues for a shift towards human-based research applications that show promising advancements and efficacy over traditional animal testing methods. The discussion also uncovers systemic issues in scientific communities and funding bodies that sustain outdated practices, highlighting ethical concerns and potential pathways for advocacy and change.  *Note: The first two questions include quite scientific explanations—but don’t worry, the conversation quickly opens up into broader ethical issues, so we encourage all listeners (even those without a science background) to stay tuned!For more info visit AFSA.  Click here to read more about primate experimentation in Australia.Read the transcript here.

    50 min
  3. Compassion Over Cruelty: Dr Faraz Harsini on Empowering the Next Generation to be Animal Advocates

    07/24/2025

    Compassion Over Cruelty: Dr Faraz Harsini on Empowering the Next Generation to be Animal Advocates

    In this episode of the AFSA Podcast, we speak with Dr. Faraz Harsini, a leading voice in animal rights and biomedical engineering. The conversation dives deep into Dr. Harsini's inspiring journey from an omnivorous upbringing in Iran to founding Allied Scholars for Animal Protection and leading the college campus movement toward veganism.  Key discussions revolve around the importance of educating young minds on animal use and the interconnectedness of animal rights with broader societal issues such as climate change and public health. Dr. Harsini shares his insights on the inefficacies of animal testing, revealing its limitations and highlighting the potential of non-animal methods (NAMs) to revolutionize scientific research. His candid reflections on the challenges he overcame in reconciling personal and cultural beliefs with his current advocacy work offer listeners a unique perspective into the moral urgency of veganism and animal rights. Read the episode transcript here. If you would like to support Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), or if you're a student interested in starting a chapter, visit their website to learn how you can get involved! www.alliedscholars.org/ www.instagram.com/alliedscholars Connect with Dr. Harsini: https://www.instagram.com/dr_faraz_harsini/ https://www.youtube.com/c/DrFarazHarsini

    47 min
  4. Discovering Non-Animal Methodologies in Research with Dr. Susi Seibt

    06/17/2025

    Discovering Non-Animal Methodologies in Research with Dr. Susi Seibt

    This episode of the AFSA podcast features Dr. Susi Seibt, an expert in microfluidics and science communication. Dr. Susi walks us through the revolutionary advancements in non-animal research methods (NAMs) and their applications in medical research and drug development. Her discussion provides a glimpse into a future where research may no longer require animal testing. In the conversation, Dr. Susi elaborates on innovative techniques such as microfluidics and organ-on-a-chip technologies. The conversation covers the strengths and limitations of these technologies, their implementation in personalized medicine, and the global movement towards reducing animal experimentation. Investing in NAMs not only promotes ethical scientific practices but also paves the way for more accurate and human-relevant data. Click here for more information on NAMs. To hear more from Dr. Susi visit:www.shelium.net https://www.youtube.com/@shelium TikTok: @shelium.science Instagram: @shelium.scienceRead the podcast episode transcript here.

    40 min
  5. Rehoming Animals From Research

    03/25/2025

    Rehoming Animals From Research

    In this episode, Rachel welcomes Paula Wallace, Founder and Director of the Liberty Foundation Australia to discuss the inspiring mission of her organisation. Liberty Foundation is at the forefront of creating a viable transition for domestic animals from research facilities into loving homes. Tune in as Paula unfolds the foundation’s progress, challenges, and future aspirations, including the exciting opening of a rehoming centre on the Central Coast of New South Wales.View videos of the happy endings for adopted animals thanks to the Liberty Foundation on YouTube.Read the episode transcript.

    46 min
  6. Nicole Groch Discusses Cruelty-Free Beauty

    07/23/2024

    Nicole Groch Discusses Cruelty-Free Beauty

    Nicole Groch, Australian Programs Manager at Cruelty Free International and a vegan hair and makeup artist, shares insights on ending animal testing globally, the rigorous Leaping Bunny certification process, and the evolution of cruelty-free and vegan products. She discusses the transformative impact of major Australian brands like Kmart and Sukin committing to cruelty-free practices. Nicole’s personal and professional journey highlights the power of consumer choices in driving industry change, and offers practical tips for identifying genuinely cruelty-free products. Tune in to learn how your choices can support a cruelty-free future.Search for Cruelty free products | Cruelty Free InternationalNicole Groch Cruelty Free, Vegan Hair & Makeup

    39 min
  7. Animal-Free Surgical Training with Andrew Costello

    05/29/2024

    Animal-Free Surgical Training with Andrew Costello

    Andrew Costello, Strategic Consultant to the International Medical Robotics Academy (IMRA) discusses the benefits of non-animal surgical training methods and outlines IMRA's world-leading training programs and high-fidelity synthetic models. Find out more about IMRA on their website. Read AFSA's web resource on surgical training.

    40 min
  8. Maddie Krasno shares an insider perspective of primate research

    03/24/2024

    Maddie Krasno shares an insider perspective of primate research

    Maddie holds a master’s degree in Humane Education and has worked in animal protection for over a decade. During her undergraduate education, Maddie worked for two years at UW-Madison’s Harlow Primate Research Laboratory and was later diagnosed with PTSD as a result. Maddie discusses her experiences and the organisation she has co-founded, Justify.  Maddie hopes Justify will establish greater transparency in the animal research industry and become the community she wishes she had when she left the primate lab in 2013.

    34 min
See All (24)

About

Campaigning for a future where no animals are harmed in the name of science, and scientific progress is advanced through animal-free research methods. Opinions expressed by guests in the AFSA podcast are their own and independent of AFSA. 

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Smith
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Rachel Smith
  • Show Website
    Animal-Free Science Advocacy