Humane Research Trust CIO

The Trust supports biomedical and healthcare research across the United Kingdom, with a strong emphasis on projects that use human-relevant, animal-free methods. Current funding focuses on advancing understanding of the causal relationship between the microbiome and neurological conditions, and exploring whether influencing the microbiome can slow or reverse disease progression. Grants cover research salaries, equipment, and training, enabling both established scientists and early-career researchers to develop and apply techniques that replace animals in medical research. The Trust funds work in physical and mental health, and is particularly interested in innovative approaches that are not easy, such as using human tissue, in vitro systems, and computer modelling.

Funding is available to UK-based research organisations, including registered charities and academic institutions, that are committed to animal-free research. The Trust supports both experienced principal investigators and early-career researchers, with fellowships designed to nurture the next generation of leaders in humane science. Applicants must be based in the United Kingdom and carry out their work within the UK. The Trust welcomes applications from organisations that can demonstrate a clear focus on developing and using techniques that quantify and replace animals and animal-derived products in medical research.

The Humane Research Trust does not fund any research involving animals or animal-derived products, including animal-derived scaffolds, growth serums, or positive controls. Capital works and core operational costs are also excluded. The Trust's commitment to animal-free science means that no part of a funded project may involve animals or animal-derived materials.

The Trust provides multi-year grants for research projects and fellowships, covering salaries, equipment, and training costs. It welcomes unsolicited applications and supports innovative, non-animal methods. Funding is awarded through a competitive process, with a focus on projects that are directly relevant to human health and that replace animal use in medical research. The Trust does not fund core costs or capital works.