Funding Smarter Science though the International Foundation for Ethical Research
As part of our long-standing commitment to advancing smarter science without harming animals, NAVS awards an annual grant to our partner organization, the International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER), to support scientists developing alternatives to the use of animals in biomedical research, safety testing and education.
IFER, which was founded by NAVS nearly 40 years ago, provides fellowships to the best and brightest graduate students who share our vision of promoting humane scientific advancements while sparing animal suffering. The students are selected as Graduate Student Fellowship recipients during a rigorous process in which IFER’s Scientific Advisory Board chooses projects based on their scientific merit as well as for the likely impact the research will have on the reduction, refinement or replacement of animal use. Priority is given to projects most likely to replace animal use.
NAVS’ investment in IFER has provided funding for a wide range of innovative research projects that support scientists working in diverse areas of research, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, kidney diseases and many others. During the 2021-2022 grant cycle, a total of seven fellowships were awarded to four new graduate students and to three current fellowship recipients who had their funding renewed.
IFER is currently accepting pre-proposals for the 2022-23 grant cycle. If you know of any graduate student researchers who are developing alternatives to the use of animals in science, please let them know of this important funding opportunity. Submissions must be received by April 30, 2022.