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At NAVS, we want to change the way that science is conducted. NAVS aims to create a shift in scientific research through the funding of the International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER) to encourage researchers to move away from flawed, outdated animal models. Every year, IFER selects and funds the projects of postgraduate student fellows who are developing and using innovative, non-animal methods. NAVS’ goal in funding research through IFER is to help promising young investigators build the foundation for a career of advancing science without harming animals. Today we share with you the testimonial of Nicole Sparks, PhD, who received an IFER graduate fellowship funded by NAVS more than a decade ago, and how this award has impacted her meaningful work to advance science.

“Thanks to the support I received as an IFER graduate fellow from 2012-15, I’ve been able to build a meaningful career in science.  I am now an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the University of California, Irvine. My research focuses on using human embryonic stem cells to study how environmental exposures—like air pollution, tobacco products, and chemicals that interfere with hormones—affect bone development before birth. By applying cutting-edge scientific techniques, my team is working to understand how these factors contribute to developmental disorders.

IFER’s fellowship support was instrumental in shaping my career, providing invaluable support during my early years as a PhD student and enabling me to develop a human-based model to study how toxic substances impact bone development. This research laid the foundation for my doctoral dissertation and continues to shape my work today. Since then, my research has been recognized with several prestigious awards, helping me expand my studies and make new discoveries.”

Nicole is one of many examples of how investing in early career researchers developing nonanimal models can lead to sustained scientific progress. NAVS, through the dedicated work of IFER and generous supporters like you, is planting the seeds of innovation that will blossom into decades of positive change in the way science is done. Learn more about IFER and the current graduate fellows here.