Advancing animal-free science in Australia
AFSA is driving the transition towards a future where Australian science is powered by innovation, human relevance and cutting-edge approaches that move beyond animal-based research.
Through scientific leadership, advocacy, sector engagement and strategic collaboration, AFSA is shaping the direction of animal-free science in Australia — bringing together researchers, educators, industry leaders, regulators and decision-makers to accelerate the development and adoption of Non-Animal Methodologies (NAMs).
From conference presentations and scientific publications to policy development, university engagement, industry partnerships and more, AFSA is building the knowledge, connections and momentum needed to transform Australian science. As a trusted leader in this emerging field, AFSA provides expertise, evidence-based resources and strategic guidance to drive the shift towards more predictive, efficient and human-relevant research models — positioning Australia at the forefront of the global transition to animal-free science.
AFSA's Satellite Event at AusBioTech 2026
AFSA is proud to host a dedicated satellite event as part of the 2026 AusBioTech Conference — Australia’s largest life sciences gathering.
This landmark session brings together leading voices from across research, biotechnology, regulation, education, investment and policy for a rare opportunity to collaborate on the future of non-animal science in Australia.
For the first time, key stakeholders from across the Australian science ecosystem will come together with a shared focus: advancing a National Collaborative Platform for Non-animal Technologies.
Supported by Voiceless, this event builds on the momentum generated by CSIRO’s landmark 2023 Non-Animal Models Strategy for Australia and the Non-animal technologies network (NAT-Net) establishment in 2024. The session will explore how Australia can move from recommendations to implementation – supporting capability building, collaboration, translation and adoption.
The event will showcase Australian innovation, highlight existing leadership in the field and create connections between the people and organisations who can drive this transformation forward.
📅 Monday October 19th, 2026 · 13:00 – 18:00 📍Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition CentreBroadbeach, QLD
Program Agenda
13:00 – Welcome and introductions to key speakers
Dr Natalie Anderson, Erica Bremner Kneipp, Dr Kathrin Herrmann
13:40 – Panel 1: Building Confidence and Capability in NAMs
Chaired by Dr Michelle Lam
14:20 – Panel 2: Data sharing, services, resources and national infrastructure
Chaired by Prof Michael Dobbie
15:00 – Break
15:10 – Global Education Hub for animal-free innovation
Professor Wojciech Chrzanowski
15:20 – Workshops (20min per table):
Table 1 – Regulatory pathways and commercialisation
Table 2 – Infrastructure, data sharing and access
Table 3 – Education and workforce development
Table 4 – The National Collaborative Platform for Non-animal Technologies, national policies, statistics and public communication
16:45 – Presentations of workshop outcomes (5min per table)
17:05 – Steering committee and NAMs statement sign-up
17:10 – Networking and refreshments
17:40 – Draft workshop report
17:55 – Close
Key Speakers
Dr Natalie Anderson
Animal-Free Science Advocacy
Natalie holds a PhD in Public Health, a Master’s in Child Health Research and a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. An experienced medical researcher, she has presented on animal-free science at leading scientific forums and serves on the editorial board of the Alternatives to Laboratory Animals journal. She is passionate about advancing human-relevant, non-animal research methods.
Erica Bremner Kneipp
Independent Chair of Non-Animal Technologies Network (NAT-Net)
Erica has led the establishment of the MRFF, BTF and national clinical trial reform with Commonwealth Health. With CSIRO she was a driving force behind the CSIRO Futures report on NAMs. She is the Executive Director, Research for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and a NED with Brandon BioCatalyst, AusBiotech and BioPlatforms Australia.
Dr Kathrin Herrmann
Centre for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Johns Hopkins University
Dr. Kathrin Herrmann is a veterinary specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Since 2017, she has been at the Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), where she leads education and training and works internationally to advance animal-free, human-relevant research and innovation.
Prof Wojciech Chrzanowski
The Medical Advances Without Animals Trust (MAWA)
Professor Wojciech Chrzanowski is an international leader in nanomedicine, extracellular vesicles, nanosafety and biomanufacturing. At the University of Sydney, he leads research developing next-generation therapeutics for tissue regeneration, rare diseases and healthy ageing. His work integrates advanced nano-characterisation, disease models and innovative biomedical technologies to accelerate safer, personalised treatments across human and animal health.
Panelists
Panel 1 – Building Confidence and Capability in NAMs
Dr Michelle Lam
Michael Phelan
Leanne Weekes
Dr Christos Papadimitriou
Panel 2 – Data sharing, services, resources and national infrastructure
Professor Michael Dobbie
Professor Jennifer Byrne
Dr Nathan Gödde
Dr MJ Chua
Sign-on Commitments
The future of science is animal-free — be part of the change and join the steering group!
National Collaborative Platform for NAMs – Steering Group
Join other leading stakeholders from across the Australian science ecosystem to establish a National Collaborative Platform for Non-Animal Technologies, building on CSIRO’s 2023 Non-Animal Models Strategy for Australia.