Animal Free Research UK supports scientists to develop new non-animal procedures designed to replace animal testing in medical research, by trading existing techniques with more human-relevant experiments.

Following a rigorous peer-reviewed selection process, Scientists, hospitals and research organisations are awarded grants from Animal Free Research UK if projects are proven to demonstrate that they both show the best potential for the replacement of animals, and are of the highest scientific calibre.

Founding Principles

Established in 1970, there were two founding principles behind the Dr Hadwen Trust, now Animal Free Research UK:

 To become national leaders in the funding of non-animal replacement research and to work to promote and develop widespread support, whilst maintaining the goal of providing vital and practical advancement to medical science, without harm to animals.

Supported by patrons such as Dr Brian May, Dame Judy Dench, Joanna Lumley and David Shepherd, the organisation continues to be at the cutting edge of research methodologies, which have led to significant innovations and advances, whilst still preserving those founding principles.

Advanced and Successful Research Techniques

Since the charity's founding in 1970, more than 150 research grants have been awarded by Animal Free Research UK, which itself is funded entirely by charitable donations. 

Funded projects have resulted in the development of advanced and successful techniques for human-related research in areas of medicine as diverse as Alzheimer’s, asthma, kidney, heart and liver disease and diabetes.

After more than 40 years, Animal Free Research UK remains a key charity in Hitchin as the leading charitable provider of grants dedicated to the search for replacements for animal testing in the UK. It is also regularly consulted by scientists, government, industry and animal welfare organisations on a global scale, and is classed as expert in this field.

Can You Help?

Animal Free Research UK is solely funded by charitable donations and is always grateful for donations both large and small. The Hitchin charity would also welcome any offers from volunteers to help with its fundraising activities.