Press Area
Resources for Journalists
We want to be an asset for members of the media
NAVS values the work of journalists that cover the issues surrounding our mission and takes pride in assisting members of the media in their work to educate their audience. The resources below are intended to help media who are covering issues related to animal research, and journalists are also encouraged to contact us directly if there is more that we can do!
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Organizational Facts
Below you can find facts about our history, our mission, and our accomplishments
Founding
Founded in 1929, NAVS has been at the forefront of advocating for the welfare of animals used in research, testing, and education. Through strategic campaigns, legislative initiatives, and educational outreach, NAVS works tirelessly to eliminate the use of animals in laboratories and create a future where scientific progress aligns with compassion and ethical considerations through the development and use of innovative, human-relevant models.
Program Areas
NAVS’ key program areas focus on humane science education, the use of animals in research and testing, supporting the wellbeing and care of animals formerly used in research, and advocacy:
Science Education
NAVS is committed to helping educators from K-12 instill a love of science and an appreciation for humane methods in their students.
- BioLEAP helps teachers and students identify and implement humane, non-animal options for learning the life sciences. By awarding grants for teachers and classrooms to explore humane avenues for science, or by offering non-animal models to classrooms, BioLEAP gives science educators a way to teach science without compromising their ethics or encouraging the harm of animals.
- BioLEAP curriculum introduces students to the “3Rs”: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement.
- “Animal Use in Science: Exploring the 3Rs” provides high school teachers with lesson plans, activities, and assessments that introduce the 3Rs Principles for the use of animals in product testing and scientific research: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement.
- All of the materials have been developed with a cross-disciplinary team of instructional designers, teachers, and subject matter experts and are available at no cost to educators. The materials are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core, and other nationally recognized standards.
- Humane Science Award
- As part of a commitment to humane science, NAVS presents the Humane Science Award at the annual Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). NAVS is the only animal advocacy group to give out an award at ISEF.
Beginning in 2024, five students per year receive a $3,000 award from NAVS, giving those students the opportunity to explore a more humane future. This prestigious award aims to recognize and celebrate projects that demonstrate a commitment to ethical research practices, prioritizing the well-being of both humans and animals.
- As part of a commitment to humane science, NAVS presents the Humane Science Award at the annual Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). NAVS is the only animal advocacy group to give out an award at ISEF.
Scientific Research and Testing
Through its support of the International Foundation for Ethical Research, NAVS is funding the development and use of innovative, human-relevant methods that can replace or reduce the use of animals.
- IFER Grant Fellowships
- One-year grants for projects that support the development, acceptance, and implementation of innovative scientific methodologies that advance science and reduce or replace the use of animals in research, testing, or education.
- Grants of $15,000 are typically awarded and are renewable annually for up to three years.
- Since 1985, grants totaling more than $2 million have been awarded to researchers who are developing alternatives to the use of animals in science.
- In 2025, a record 12 graduate fellow projects were funded by IFER.
Support for Sanctuaries and Animal Rescue Organizations
- NAVS has supported sanctuaries since 1998. In that time, we’ve given more than $2 million to sanctuary support.
- Through the NAVS Animal Sanctuary Assistance Program, we are able to provide the immediate resources necessary for shelters to continue their important work on behalf of animals without having to waste the time and expense of sending an appeal to supporters before help can arrive. Our grants help defray the high costs associated with the transition and ongoing care of their new residents, as well as with unforeseen financial emergencies.
- The NAVS Animal Sanctuary Assistance Program provides a direct connection–a lifeline–between compassionate individuals and reputable animal sanctuaries and shelters across the United States.
Advocacy
- NAVS are staunch advocates for laws and regulations that advance science humanely, without the pain and suffering of animals used as lab equipment.
- NAVS’ advocacy work helps promote humane alternatives in scientific methods, including with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who now no longer require new drugs or products to be tested on animals.
- The Advocacy Center on the NAVS website includes avenues for supporters to contact legislators and regulators directly to urge support on bills and regulations that will help protect animals.
- NAVS’ advocacy work has touched every state.
- 17 states have passed a post-research adoption bill.
- 11 states have passed a cruelty-free cosmetics bill.
- NAVS has worked with federal agencies and regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), FDA, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to transform the way that research is done and protect animals.
Media Assets
Resources below include all of our creative assets as well as quotes to assist with your coverage
Quotes from NAVS
- Sally Draper
- Meredith Blanchard
- Lauren Stein
- Anna Madsen
Get in Touch with Any Media Inquiries
We are happy to offer expert insight, data, and resources, as well as collaborate on anything you’re working on
