On November 6, 2025, the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) partnered with long-time supporter William Radinson, Catholic Concern for Animals, a UK-based international charity, Fordham University in New York, and the Archdiocese of Seattle to present an educational webinar, Teaching Respect for All Creation: Inspiring Compassion for Animals in Catholic Science Education.
Sponsored by Fordham University and moderated by Terri Nelson, Director of Integral Human Development of the Archdiocese of Seattle, the webinar featured Dr. Pam Osenkowski, NAVS Science Advisor, and Chris Fegan, Chief Executive of Catholic Concern for Animals. Together, they explored how Catholic values of compassion and stewardship connect deeply with humane, ethical approaches to science education.
Dr. Osenkowski highlighted the NAVS Biology Education Advancement Program (BioLEAP), our flagship humane science program for educators of middle- and high school science students. BioLEAP advances biology education using 21st-century technology to enhance student understanding of anatomy and physiology. The program provides resources and grants for educators to replace classroom dissection with humane, high-tech alternatives like 3D and virtual reality models and curriculum materials designed to foster empathy, inclusion, and respect for life in the classroom. The event also emphasized how faith-based respect for creation and modern humane science practices can work hand in hand to inspire compassion and ethical responsibility among students.
The webinar reached a focused audience of educators, faith leaders, and animal advocates and opened valuable new avenues for collaboration and dialogue.
Learn more about how NAVS is changing the way science is taught in classrooms.
