Australia has the talent and technology to lead the world in animal-free science—but without dedicated funding from the Federal Government, we’re falling behind.
Australia can lead
We already have the infrastructure, expertise and public backing to become a world leader in animal-free science. What’s missing is targeted government funding. By committing dedicated funds—as other nations have done—Australia can:
- Drive medical breakthroughs with more reliable science
- Create new industries and jobs in biotech
- Keep Australia globally competitive
- End reliance on outdated animal models
Australia has an opportunity to become a pioneer in next-generation research—but only if the government acts now.
👉 Add your voice today and call on the Australian Government to fund animal-free research.
Want to do more? Explore our Political Toolkit for practical steps to engage with your federal MP.
The current situation
CSIRO’s report confirms Australia’s strengths in non-animal methods such as organoids and organs-on-a-chip, which are set to disrupt outdated animal models within the next 15 years. These methods are:
- Better for people – more accurate, human-relevant science.
- Better for the economy – saving money by cutting costly drug failures.
- Better for animals – reducing suffering in labs.
- Better for the environment – avoiding the resource-intensive demands of animal labs.
In 2023, the NHMRC allocated $242.4 million to grants involving animal use—but none specifically for animal-free research. While other countries are investing heavily in this future, Australia has no dedicated government funding to develop or validate animal-free methods.
Take action
Global momentum is growing
- US: Major NIH program (2024), US $31 million for organ-on-a-chip centres (2024) and the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (1997)
- UK: National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (2004) with £20 million annual government support
- EU: European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (1991)
- Netherlands: £214.5 million for a new centre for animal-free biomedical testing (2024)
- Germany: Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternative Methods to Animal Experiments (1989)
In July 2024, the NSW Government committed $4.5 million to establish the Non-Animal Technologies Network (NAT-Net). However, Australia risks being left behind unless the Federal Government acts now.
Without dedicated funding, researchers face systemic barriers.
Why funding matters
- Scientific progress: 🔬 Around 90% of drugs tested safe in animals fail in humans (1). Non-animal methods can deliver more reliable results (2).
- Economic opportunity: 💰 Animal-free technologies could add $1.6 billion to Australia’s clinical trials sector (3).
- Public support: 👩⚕️ Surveys show overwhelming support among Australians for alternatives to animal testing (4).
- Environmental impact: 🌏Animal labs consume up to 10 times more energy than office buildings, adding unnecessary costs and emissions (5).
…for me, as a researcher, if we apply for funding overseas the models are accepted. If I apply for NHMRC funding,
I get a comment, “You need an in vivo model. You cannot progress any work because you need an in vivo.”
References
- Ineichen BV, Furrer E, Grüninger SL, Zürrer WE, Macleod MR. Analysis of animal-to-human translation shows that only 5% of animal-tested therapeutic interventions obtain regulatory approval for human applications. PLoS Biol. 2024;22(6):e3002667. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002667.
- Hutchinson I, Owen C, Bailey J. Modernizing medical research to benefit people and animals. Animals. 2022;12(9):1173. doi: 10.3390/ani12091173.
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Non-animal models: A strategy for maturing Australia’s medical product development capabilities. 2023 [cited 2025 Aug 20]. Available from: https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/services/consultancy-strategic-advice-services/csiro-futures/health-and-biosecurity/non-animal-models
- Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART). Research survey on Australian attitudes to animal research. University of Adelaide, 2022 [cited 2025 Aug 20]. Available from: https://anzccart.adelaide.edu.au/newsletters-publications-and-events/anzccart-survey
- Cubitt S, Sharp G. Maintaining quality and reducing energy in research animal facilities. Anim Technol Welf. 2011;10(2):91-7,117,122,127.