For Researchers
AFSA supports researchers with resources and advocacy to accelerate the uptake of non-animal models (NAMs) in Australia. Whether you’re applying for funding, seeking technical guidance or wanting to connect with like-minded scientists, this page brings together key tools and opportunities.
Topics covered:
Research Tools and Resources
Guidance on replacement
- View AFSA’s webpage on replacing animals
- Watch NSW Animal Research Review Panel webinar: Advances and Institutional Approaches in Alternatives to Animal Testing
- DRIVER recommendations for in vitro research
- Alternatives to fetal calf serum
- Alternatives to animal-derived antibodies
- Online organ-on-chip training
Overcoming animal methods bias
Key AFSA articles
- Rethinking the three Rs: Growing momentum toward a new gold standard in Australian research
- The need for guidance in antidepressant drug development: Revisiting the role of the forced swim test and tail suspension test
- Australian regulation of animal use in science and education: A critical appraisal
- Non-animal technologies in Australia: 2024 breakthroughs and progress
- Australian Progress and Breakthroughs in Non-Animal Models (NAMs) in 2025
Recommended journals
Funding and Sponsorship
3Rs grants and awards
Australian:
- Medical Advances Without Animals
- NHMRC
- Non-Animal Technologies Network (NAT-Net)
- Griffith University
- University of NSW (internal search)
- University of Sydney
- University of WA (internal search)
AFSA sponsorship
AFSA offers limited small-scale sponsorships for Australian events that promote NAMs.
- Maximum amount: AUD $1,000
- Eligible activities: Conferences, symposia or workshops that advance the adoption of NAMs in research, teaching or regulation
- Contact us to apply
NAMs evidence for grant writing
- AFSA Business Case for Replacement
- AFSA submissions (e.g. ARC grants program, Strategic Examination of R&D)
- CSIRO report on NAMs
- NHMRC 3Rs implementation paper (showing slow NAMs uptake in Australia)
- Historical statistics of animal use in science
- Data on public support for NAMs and 2025 Opinion Poll on Animal Use in Research
Connect and Collaborate
Networks and communities
- NAT-Net
- NC3Rs NAMs Network
- The Alliance Exchange
- Engaging Researchers on Animal-Free 21st Century Science (ERA21)
- Global Education Hub
- BioMed 21 Collaboration
- Steps4NAMs (EU)
Key sector events
- MPS World Summit
- AusBiotech Conference
- Organoids Are Us Symposium
- Monash Organoid Symposium
- World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences
Get involved with AFSA
- Sign our Business Case for Replacement
- Sign up for AFSA’s newsletter
- Follow AFSA on LinkedIn
- Request a talk
- Nominate your research for a case study
- Apply to be a podcast guest
- Join our advisory panel
- Learn about AFSA’s position on animal use in biomedical research and teaching
Regulations
To learn more about the regulatory landscape for human medicines in Australia and other countries with which Australia closely aligns, click here.
Support
AFSA has established a resource hub for animal researchers and technicians in need of mental health support. It is also a space where you can have confidential discussion about your experiences in a judgement-free and compassionate space. Access it here.
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