In a historic move, the NSW has allocated $4.5 million to reduce and replace the use of animals in medical research. This initiative will fund the establishment of the Non-Animal Technologies Network (NAT-Net), bringing together top researchers and institutions at the University of NSW, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, University of Newcastle, University of Sydney, and University of Technology Sydney.
The funding comprises three pillars. The first, a research pillar to accelerate research progress. The second, to develop infrastructure to establish NAT-Net and the third to set up a working group to develop regulatory approaches for non-animal technologies.
NAT-Net aims to develop advanced alternatives like human cell-based models and AI-driven technologies, which promise more accurate and ethical medical research outcomes. By fostering these innovations, NSW is set to lead in humane and cutting-edge scientific advancements.
Minister for Medical Research David Harris emphasised the transformative potential of this investment, highlighting its role in accelerating lifesaving discoveries and enhancing the predictive success of new therapies. “This investment is about harnessing the latest in science and technology to improve health outcomes while reducing reliance on animal models,” Harris stated.
AFSA’s Operations and Campaigns Research Manager Adam Walsh was pleased to attend the announcement event for the NSW non-animal technologies funding. Specific funding for non-animal research methods has been a long-standing gap in Australia and it is promising to see NSW leading the way. The 2023 CSIRO non-animal methods report identified the need for regulatory reform to facilitate the use of non-animal methods so it is particularly positive to see this pillar alongside funding for infrastructure and network development, as without regulatory assurance that non-animal methods will be accepted, new technologies will not become the preferred research method.
Hundreds of individuals as well as organisations make submissions to the 2022 NSW Inquiry into Animal Use in Medical Research and it is heartening to see a tangible benefit from this inquiry with financial support for innovative human-relevant research without the cost of animal lives.
AFSA hopes the network and funding can be expanded to a national, ongoing funding program in line with the leading investment in non-animal technologies demonstrated in the EU, UK and US.
For more information, visit the NSW Health website.
Learn more about AFSA’s I am not a Lab Tool Campaign.
Image provided by NSW Health.