The future of biomedical research is changing, and more people are asking what comes next after animal testing.
That was the focus of a recent episode of KPCW’s Cool Science Radio, where Lauren Stein, Ph.D., Director of Science and Research Programs at the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS), joined host Lynn Ware Peek to discuss the rapid advancement of human-relevant research methods and what they mean for the future of science.
During the conversation, Lauren explored how technologies such as organ-on-a-chip systems, organoids, computational modeling, and artificial intelligence are helping researchers better understand human biology while reducing reliance on animal models. She also discussed why federal agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), are investing in these innovative approaches as part of a broader shift toward more predictive, human-based science.
While these technologies have made remarkable progress, Lauren noted that challenges remain before they become the standard across biomedical research. Continued investment, validation, education, and collaboration will be essential to accelerating their adoption and ensuring they reach their full potential.
As scientific understanding advances, so too does the opportunity to improve both human health and animal welfare. At NAVS, we believe the future of biomedical research lies in approaches that are more relevant to human biology, more efficient for researchers, and more ethical for animals.
We are grateful to KPCW’s Cool Science Radio for highlighting this important conversation and for providing a platform to discuss the exciting innovations reshaping biomedical research.
