About

Speaking of Research is an advocacy group that provides accurate information about the importance of animal testing in medical and veterinary science.

Founded in 2008 by Tom Holder and inspired by the successful British student movement “Pro-test” (www.pro-test.org.uk), Speaking of Research (SR) aims to change the tide of the controversial animal rights debate in the United States by encouraging students and scientists to speak out in favor of the lifesaving medical research developed with animals.

Pro-Test’s experiences have shown that an informed public will rally together against animal rights extremism and come out to support scientists in their use of animals in lifesaving biomedical research. Recent polls in the UK suggest that public support for animal research for medical purposes has reached nearly 90%. Consequently animal rights groups have seen a decline in support, leading to a decline in extremist actions. Speaking of Research seeks to mobilize American universities to make the same stand against animal rights extremists and the misinformation they spread. We aim to encourage students and scientists to raise their heads above the parapet in open support of scientists and their research.

Speaking of Research aims to challenge animal rights dominance of the issue by participating in talks and debates on campuses across the country and by utilizing web-based communications tools to organize a network that can provide encouragement, information and support to all who care about medical progress. SR is run by a committee of people who believe that animal research remains crucial to the future of medicine.

Funding

Speaking of Research exists on a very small budget (all costs are associated with the website and total less than $100/year). This year (2010-2011) the money was kindly donated by our UK sister-group, Pro-Test, who receive their money from small private donations by scientists and other supporters. The travel costs and associated expenses of giving talks around the US and beyond have been generously met by the relevant host organizations.