Speaking of Research

Biography: Tom Holder

Tom Holder graduated from Oxford University in 2007, with a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. His time at university coincided with the escalation of violence and intimidation by animal rights extremists. Frustrated by the climate of fear descending on Oxford he became instrumental in the formation of the original Pro-Test committee in January 2006, and took up the role of Press Officer, giving interviews to international news broadcasters including BBC, Sky and Fox News.

He was Head Steward and Emcee at the original Pro-Test march in February 2006 which attracted nearly 1,000 students, scientists and members of the public. The weeks and months following he participated in a large number of radio interviews and debates; as well responding to national newspapers (nearly every national paper had reported the first Pro-Test march).

In the following months Holder partook in a number of documentaries, revived his roles as Head Steward and Emcee for the second march in June 2006, and began expanding the Pro-Test movement - especially with the creation of the Pro-Test Facebook group which now sports almost 3,000 members.

During 2007, Holder took over communications and internal operations, in addition to the press officer role, coordinating Pro-Test’s day-to-day activities. He also began participating in more debates around the country, in schools, universities and on the radio; facing opposition such as Alistair Currie (UK campaigns coordinator for PETA), Michelle Thew (Chief Executive of British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection) and Kathy Archibald (Director of Europeans for Medical Progress). Holder took on the Emcee role for a final time in February 2008, for the third Pro-Test rally.

In March 2008 he moved to the US to take on animal rights groups by founding “Speaking of Research.” His project is supported by both Pro-Test and Americans for Medical Progress, and aims to mirror Pro-Test’s grassroots activities by generating student and faculty support around the US for scientists conducting animal research.