Kailah Eglington, Chief Executive of the DHT, Kerry McCarthy MP and Brian May CBE
ROCK legend and animal welfare supporter Brian May gave his backing at Parliament to the announcement by the Dr Hadwen Trust (DHT) of a ‘world’s first’ education and research initiative.
The Queen guitarist is patron of the DHT whose new initiative will see the UK spearhead a collaborative global search for more ethical, human-relevant alternatives to animal testing.
The DHT, the UK’s leading humane medical research charity, and Queen Mary, University of London, have joined forces to create the first Professorial Chair in animal replacement science – and the team at Magnite was tasked with staging the launch event for stakeholders and supporters at the House of Commons as well as handling the national media announcement.
Kailah Eglington, Chief Executive of the Dr Hadwen Trust, said: “This branch of science is becoming increasingly accepted among the scientific community and it is vital that new and existing scientists and researchers are aware that successful alternatives to animal testing are available today and that more are needed.”
Brian May said: “Over the past few years I’ve become progressively more involved in campaigning for animal welfare. It comes at a certain time of life, perhaps … this awareness that things have gone horribly wrong in the world at large, in the way we value, understand, and behave towards the other species on this planet.
“This new initiative is a very significant step forward in promoting awareness of the principles of replacement science in the scientific community. It is an endorsement of the importance of the ethical treatment of animals.”
A change in UK legislation directed by the EU, which came into force this year, ensures that alternative, non-animal research techniques are used in medical research if they are available.
The DHT Professorial Chair at the Blizard Institute will play a pivotal role in leading the UK’s response to this legislative change in creating links between scientists in the sector and in identifying areas of best practice in replacement science. It is also intended that educational programmes specific to animal replacement science will be developed to inspire more young people to choose a career in the field.
Scores of supporters, renowned academics and researchers, senior civil servants and cross-party MPs attended the launch and the story was covered by Sky News, BBC Radio 4 and Times Higher Education among many others.
Magnite MD Paul Maguire briefs DHT Chief Executive Kailah Eglington
Paul is hoping to be named ‘Outstanding Freelance Practitioner’ at the national CIPR Excellence Awards run by the UK PR profession’s Chartered body which will be announced in June at the London Hilton on Park Lane.
