The Humane Research Trust

As it's a new year, we thought we'd take a moment to re-introduce ourselves. We're The Humane Research Trust, and we support scientists at leading UK universities to study human diseases. Unlike most charities, the science we fund is 100% cruelty-free.

We had a great time in London at the @royalsociety for the @humanrelevant scientific meeting on advancing the use of human-relevant research methods across the life sciences!

Do mice share our genetic complexity? Do they live our lives, eat our diets, feel our stress? Over 2 million animals used in UK cancer research in 10 years - yet 95% of drugs that work in animals fail in humans. This #WorldCancerDay, it’s time for human-focused research.

This #WorldAspergillosisDay we're delighted to announce we're funding new research at @OfficialUoM into this fungus, which causes severe lung infections. Learn more: humaneresearch.org.uk/research/tackl…

We’re funding a dynamic organ-on-a-chip that mimics the retina using shape-morphing elastomer–hydrogel surfaces at @NorthumbriaUni - no animals, just real human biology. Learn more: humaneresearch.org.uk/research/a-dyn…

Streptococcus pneumoniae causes illnesses ranging from sinusitis to pneumonia. 🦠 We're proud to be funding a human airway model at @dmuleicester to tackle these diseases. Discover more: humaneresearch.org.uk/research/human…

We're glad to see the UK will phase out testing botox on animals by 2027. Regulation is finally catching up to the science. Check out this paper in NAM Journal on this topic ⤵️ sciencedirect.com/science/articl…

If one of your New Year's resolutions was to get your affairs in order, why not start with your Will? We're pleased to offer you free and discounted Will-writing services - with no pressure to include us in your Will. Get started: humaneresearch.org.uk/gifts-in-wills/

Researchers at @aberdeenuni created the first atlas of ECM gene activity during human cortical development. 📄 Read the full paper in @Nature nature.com/articles/s4146…

Fancy taking on a challenge to help end animal experiments? We’ve partnered with Run For Charity to offer discounted places in some of the UK’s most exciting events, from 5Ks and 10Ks to marathons and muddy obstacle courses. humaneresearch.org.uk/run-for-charit…

Thanks to everyone who purchased Christmas cards at one of the @charitycards4u shops across Cheshire this past festive season, we've raised over £1,300! 🎄 This money will go towards funding innovative medical research that replaces animal experiments with humane alternatives.

We've so proud to have funded this cutting-edge research!

Are you a scientist using or interested in non-animal research models? Join us with @humanrelevant for a two-day scientific meeting in London, sponsored by @royalsociety. 📅 3 - 4 Feb 2026 📍 One Birdcage Walk, London 🎟️ FREE royalsociety.org/science-events…

We are excited to announce that we just committed £624k to life-saving medical research using 100% animal-free methods! 🎉 Our inspiring scientists will develop new, humane models for diseases such as bowel cancer and pneumonia. humaneresearch.org.uk/624k-invested-…

Have you captured a magical winter moment? From frosty nature or wildlife scenes to cosy companion animals curled up by the tree, we’re looking for your best festive photos for our 2026 Christmas card competition! humaneresearch.org.uk/2026-christmas…

Have you voted in our supporter survey yet? We’re planning a special funding initiative this year, focused on one disease area where animal-free research is urgently needed. We want you to decide what disease area this is. Vote: humaneresearch.org.uk/supporter-poll/

Want to make 2026 a year of progress for animals? Here's some simple, impactful ways to help, from everyday choices to creative fundraising ideas.

Our charity is seeking 2 new trustees (1 medical researcher, 1 fundraiser), and new scientific advisors. ➡️ Trustee roles: humaneresearch.org.uk/join-our-board… ➡️ Advisor role: humaneresearch.org.uk/advisors-wante…

In 2025, we were delighted to support 25 individual research projects into human health. We've got some big plans for 2026 which we're looking forward to sharing soon... For now, we'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported our cause last year! 🙏🏻

Has it snowed where you are this week? ❄️ If so, we'd love to see! Make sure to submit your snowy wildlife/pet snaps to our 2026 Christmas card competition. humaneresearch.org.uk/2026-christmas…

🐦 Did you know that birds are the 4th most commonly experimented-on animal in British laboratories? This #NationalBirdDay, we're standing against unnecessary experiments on these beautiful creatures.