In this episode of the AFSA Podcast, we speak with Dr. Faraz Harsini, a leading voice in animal rights and biomedical engineering. The conversation dives deep into Dr. Harsini's inspiring journey from an omnivorous upbringing in Iran to founding Allied Scholars for Animal Protection and leading the college campus movement toward veganism.

Key discussions revolve around the importance of educating young minds on animal use and the interconnectedness of animal rights with broader societal issues such as climate change and public health. Dr. Harsini shares his insights on the inefficacies of animal testing, revealing its limitations and highlighting the potential of non-animal methods (NAMs) to revolutionize scientific research.

His candid reflections on the challenges he overcame in reconciling personal and cultural beliefs with his current advocacy work offer listeners a unique perspective into the moral urgency of veganism and animal rights.

Read the episode transcript here.

If you would like to support Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), or if you're a student interested in starting a chapter, visit their website to learn how you can get involved!

• www.alliedscholars.org/
• www.instagram.com/alliedscholars

Connect with Dr. Harsini:

• https://www.instagram.com/dr_faraz_harsini/
• https://www.youtube.com/c/DrFarazHarsini
  
  

This episode of the AFSA podcast features Dr. Susi Seibt, an expert in microfluidics and science communication. Dr. Susi walks us through the revolutionary advancements in non-animal research methods (NAMs) and their applications in medical research and drug development. Her discussion provides a glimpse into a future where research may no longer require animal testing.

In the conversation, Dr. Susi elaborates on innovative techniques such as microfluidics and organ-on-a-chip technologies. The conversation covers the strengths and limitations of these technologies, their implementation in personalized medicine, and the global movement towards reducing animal experimentation. Investing in NAMs not only promotes ethical scientific practices but also paves the way for more accurate and human-relevant data.

Click here for more information on NAMs.

To hear more from Dr. Susi visit:
www.shelium.net

https://www.youtube.com/@shelium

TikTok: @shelium.science

Instagram: @shelium.science

Read the podcast episode transcript here.

In this episode, Rachel welcomes Paula Wallace, Founder and Director of the Liberty Foundation Australia to discuss the inspiring mission of her organisation. Liberty Foundation is at the forefront of creating a viable transition for domestic animals from research facilities into loving homes. Tune in as Paula unfolds the foundation’s progress, challenges, and future aspirations, including the exciting opening of a rehoming centre on the Central Coast of New South Wales.

View videos of the happy endings for adopted animals thanks to the Liberty Foundation on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Nicole Groch, Australian Programs Manager at Cruelty Free International and a vegan hair and makeup artist, shares insights on ending animal testing globally, the rigorous Leaping Bunny certification process, and the evolution of cruelty-free and vegan products. She discusses the transformative impact of major Australian brands like Kmart and Sukin committing to cruelty-free practices. Nicole’s personal and professional journey highlights the power of consumer choices in driving industry change, and offers practical tips for identifying genuinely cruelty-free products. Tune in to learn how your choices can support a cruelty-free future.

Search for Cruelty free products | Cruelty Free International

Nicole Groch Cruelty Free, Vegan Hair & Makeup

Andrew Costello, Strategic Consultant to the International Medical Robotics Academy (IMRA) discusses the benefits of non-animal surgical training methods and outlines IMRA's world-leading training programs and high-fidelity synthetic models.

Find out more about IMRA on their website.
Read AFSA's web resource on surgical training.

Maddie holds a master’s degree in Humane Education and has worked in animal protection for over a decade. During her undergraduate education, Maddie worked for two years at UW-Madison’s Harlow Primate Research Laboratory and was later diagnosed with PTSD as a result. Maddie discusses her experiences and the organisation she has co-founded, Justify. Maddie hopes Justify will establish greater transparency in the animal research industry and become the community she wishes she had when she left the primate lab in 2013.

Dr Pandora Pound is Research Director at the Safer Medicines Trust. Dr Pound has written numerous influential papers on the scientific drawbacks of using animals as models for humans. Her newly published book ‘Rat Trap’ is a must-read.
https://animalfreescienceadvocacy.org.au/product/rat-trap-by-dr-pandora-pound/

Savita Nutan is a science communicator, educator and former researcher who founded Medicine Without Cruelty in the UK. We interviewed her for the Animal-Free Science Advocacy podcast all about why medical research needs to urgently transition away from using obsolete and cruel animal methods towards far superior animal-free methods of research.

Savita Nutan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/savitanutan
Medicine Without Cruelty: https://medicinewithoutcruelty.com/