Do you want to make a difference in the movement to protect biomedical research from animal rights militants? Do have an idea to build public support for lifesaving research? If so, you are very much needed and here’s a way to get involved. Once again, Americans for Medical Progress are accepting applications for the Michael D. Hayre Fellowship in Public Outreach. The deadline is coming up soon – May 15 – but you can apply online.
I was the first Hayre Fellow, and during my time in the program I founded Speaking of Research and built this website. The three Fellows who followed me developed their own projects – two Fellows created a program for private practice veterinarians, their employees and clients that includes a website and other educational materials about the importance of animal research to human and animal health, and the third Fellow helped to galvanize support on the UCLA campus for scientists facing intimidation and violence by animal rights militants. These projects are designed to continue on even though the Fellowship term has ended.
The program is for those in the 18-30 age group who believe that they can help improve the public’s understanding of animal research. Successful applicants will receive a $5,000 stipend and a $2,000 program budget, as well as the full support of both Americans for Medical Progress and Speaking of Research. Click the image below for more details (or here).
You may use the Fellowship award to create a local or national campaign, and I hope your plans include using and developing the Speaking of Research network. The other Fellows and I will work closely with you to help you develop your project should you receive a Fellowship award.
I have been asked by AMP to be on the committee that determines who will be the new Hayre Fellows for the 2010-2011 academic year, and I look forward to seeing your proposals.
Whether or not you choose to apply for the Hayre Fellowship, you can get involved right now by contributing to the news section of the Speaking of Research website. We need people to help write articles about new medical breakthroughs, pro-research advocacy, and the misguided activities & illegal acts of animal rights activists.
For those of you seeking to financially contribute to research advocacy, you may donate online to support the Hayre Fellowships.
The action or inaction of scientists, researchers and students will determine the future of animal research, and with it the future of medical progress – are you prepared to make a difference?
Cheers
Tom Holder
Speaking of Research 