For many scientists, the path to humane research begins with asking difficult questions about long-standing practices.
For Woojung Shin, PhD, that journey began early in her career and ultimately led her to become a leader in developing innovative research methods that do not rely on animals.
Today, Dr. Shin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). She also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER), the research and education affiliate of the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS). But her perspective on animal research was not always what it is today.
Rethinking the Role of Animals in Research
During her early scientific training, Dr. Shin viewed animal experimentation as a normal and necessary part of biomedical research.
As a master’s student, she believed that animal experiments were often more efficient and more informative than cell-based research models. Like many young scientists, she followed the conventions of her field and conducted numerous experiments involving mice.
Some of those experiments were unsuccessful. Others required the sacrifice of many animals.
Those experiences left a lasting impression.
“I must admit to my ignorance regarding alternatives to animal use in research,” she reflected. “At that time, I perceived animal experimentation as essential.”
Yet the process also prompted her to confront a growing discomfort with working with experimental animals. The experience pushed her to reconsider whether animal models were truly the best or only option for advancing scientific discovery.
Discovering a Different Path
When Dr. Shin began her PhD program at The University of Texas at Austin, she made a deliberate choice: she sought out a research lab that did not rely on animals.
What initially began as an ethical concern soon evolved into a deeper scientific realization.
As she explored new research approaches and applied for the IFER Graduate Fellowship, Dr. Shin began to recognize the significant biological differences between animals and humans. Those differences can limit how well animal experiments predict human outcomes.
This insight reshaped her understanding of biomedical research.
Rather than viewing alternatives as simply an ethical preference, she began to see human-relevant models as a scientific necessity.
Developing research systems that better reflect human biology, she realized, could address many of the scientific, ethical, and economic limitations associated with animal models.
The Impact of the IFER Fellowship
From 2016 to 2018, Dr. Shin received the IFER Graduate Fellowship, a program designed to support young scientists who are advancing research methods that replace or reduce the use of animals.
The fellowship played an important role in shaping her research direction and reinforcing her commitment to humane science.
By supporting scientists at a critical stage in their careers, IFER helps encourage innovative thinking about how research can be conducted more effectively and more ethically.
For Dr. Shin, the experience helped solidify her belief that the future of biomedical science must include a transition toward human-relevant research systems.
Leading the Next Generation of Humane Science
Today, Dr. Shin leads her own research lab at KAIST, where she continues to explore advanced scientific models that better reflect human biology.
In addition to her research, she is also committed to mentoring students and young scientists who are entering the field.
Her goal is to help the next generation recognize that animal experimentation is not a requirement for meaningful scientific progress.
Instead, she encourages researchers to explore innovative methods that can reduce, replace, and refine the use of animals in research.
“Animal use in biomedical research is not a ‘must,’” she explains. “We must explore ways to reduce, replace, and refine animal experiments.”
Supporting the Future of Ethical Research
Dr. Shin’s journey highlights the powerful impact that education, mentorship, and research funding can have on shaping the future of science.
Through programs like the IFER Fellowship, NAVS helps empower scientists who are committed to developing research approaches that are both humane and scientifically advanced.
As Dr. Shin continues her work as a researcher, mentor, and IFER Scientific Advisory Board member, her story serves as an inspiring example of how thoughtful reflection and scientific curiosity can lead to meaningful change.
By supporting the next generation of researchers, NAVS and IFER are helping accelerate the transition toward a future where biomedical discovery no longer depends on animal experimentation.
