History

Animal-Free Science Advocacy began in 1979 as the Australian Association for Humane Research (AAHR), founded by Elizabeth Ahlston. At a time when animal experimentation received little public scrutiny in Australia, AAHR became the country’s leading voice against vivisection, advocating for greater transparency, stronger protections for animals, and the development of humane scientific alternatives. 

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, AAHR played a pivotal role in raising public awareness and influencing policy. It gave evidence to the 1984 Senate Select Committee on Animal Welfare, hosted internationally respected advocates including Lady Muriel Dowding, Dr Donald Barnes and Dr Neal Barnard, and helped establish the NEAMS Trust and later Medical Advances Without Animals (MAWA) to support the development of non-animal research methods. 

Ms Elizabeth Ahlston

The organisation also led and supported major campaigns in Australia and overseas, opposing animal testing for cosmetics, the use of pound animals in research, invasive experiments on Australian wildlife, and other forms of harmful animal experimentation. 

In 2005, after more than 25 years of dedicated leadership, founder Elizabeth Ahlston handed the organisation to a new management committee. Relocating from Sydney to Melbourne, the organisation—by then known as Humane Research Australia (HRA)—entered a new era under the leadership of Helen Marston, whose tireless advocacy helped strengthen and expand its national impact until her retirement in 2020. Helen passed away in 2021 and is remembered as an inspiring champion for animals used in research. 

In 2023, members voted to adopt a new name: Animal-Free Science Advocacy. While our name has changed, our mission remains the same—to end harmful animal experimentation and accelerate the transition to modern, human-relevant, animal-free science. 

We’ve achieved a lot since 1979 – see our major achievements from each year, here. 

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© 2026 Animal-Free Science Advocacy | ABN 17 208 630 818 | Privacy Statement | Terms & Conditions   In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their enduring connections to land, sea and community. We pay respect to their Elders past and present.