Tom Holder, SR founder, gave two talks in the run up the UCLA. The first was a small talk to members of the UCLA community on April 6th. The talk went well with questions being asked on how researchers could most effectively advocate for research, and overcome institutional inertia that can hinder outreach efforts.
On the eve of Pro-Test for Science rally, Holder was invited by the UCLA branch of the American Medical Student Association. The talk was well received, with many students unaware of the violence surrounding research at UCLA.
IMPORTANT: A couple of people have reported that they were sent emails by AR activists after signing their support. Please forward any such emails to us at contact@speakingofresearch.com
It’s time to stand up and proudly announce:
I am Pro-Test, are you?
Please leave comments on this thread (scroll to bottom of page) to announce – I will not be scared away by extremists – I believe in biomedical research – I will be at the rally on Thursday 8th April, 11:30 AM (corner of Le Conte and Westwood).
If you can’t make the rally (geographic location does not permit), leave a message of support for those marching!
UPDATE: The society for Neuroscience has sent a letter of support to Pro-Test for Science:
On behalf of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN), I write in strong support of you as you speak out for animal research.
[...]
Today, your activism is helping to raise awareness about the life‐saving research underway in the Los Angeles area, and by extension, hundreds of other communities nationwide. On behalf of 40,000 SfN members worldwide, thank you for your continuing leadership on this issue. SfN pledges its sustained commitment to strong advocacy with you and many other vital voices.
In 2009, Pro-Test for Science held an historic rally on the UCLA campus; bringing over 700 people onto the streets in support of the scientists and researchers who carry out lifesaving medical research using laboratory animals. Such research continues to advance scientific knowledge and plays a vital role in the development of innovative treatments for human disease. However, animal rights extremists have continued to escalate their threats against researchers and their families.
On Thursday April 8th Pro-Test for Science will respond by rallying students, scientists and members of the public to support the cause of medical science. We call on the community to stand together against the recent tide of animal rights activism which has worked to misrepresent research and coerce those that carry it out.
David Jentsch, founder of Pro-Test for Science, said:
“The scientific community has joined together to push back against those who seek to stall advances in biomedicine. Never before has it been more important to continue these efforts so that humane biomedical research can continue unhindered by the misguided threats of a minority who oppose it.”
This rally, on the UCLA campus seeks to:
Communicate a better understanding of animal research to the public, its importance to medical progress, and what we all stand to lose if such work were to stop
Celebrate the successes of animal research in the development of treatments for disease, new diagnostic procedures/instruments, and surgical techniques.
Defend the rights of researchers to pursue their work free from harassment and intimidation.
The rally will begin on Thursday April 8th at 11:30 AM, on the north-east corner of Westwood Blvd. and Le Conte Ave., which will be followed by a march to Wilson Plaza, where speakers include UCLA Executive Vice Chancellor Scott Waugh and Dr. Kevin Quinn from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Speaking of Research founder, Tom Holder (pictured below), will be in the US between Sunday April 4th, and Monday April 12th. During this time he will be speaking with UCLA students at a number of events including an open event at the Gonda building at 12 noon, Tuesday April 6th. Holder will be around the UCLA campus in the run up to the Thursday rally, leafleting the event to students, and is available to speak to students on the issue of animal testing / research.
If you wish to contact him during his stay, please do so via:
skype – tom.holder
email – tom@speakingofresearch.com
phone – UPDATE: +1 310 498 0881
Tom Holder at the Pro-Test for Science Rally 2009
If you see Holder around campus, please go up and introduce yourself – he welcomes conversation, both from those who agree with research, and those who are less sure.
