How we work
Beyond Animal Research is New Zealand’s science alliance for animals.
We unite scientists, advocates, and decision-makers to end the harmful use of animals in science and accelerate the transition to ethical, effective alternatives.
Our mission is to revolutionise science in Aotearoa New Zealand by eliminating the harmful use of animals.
Our vision is an Aotearoa, New Zealand that leads the world in the ethical use of animals for science.
Why change is urgent
Every year in New Zealand, approximately 250,000 animals bred or used for scientific purposes are killed. Thousands of these animals experience pain, stress and suffering.
Animal experimentation continues not because better methods don’t exist in many areas, but because outdated funding systems, regulatory inertia, institutional incentives, and cultural norms make change difficult. The development of innovative alternatives is also stifled as a result.
No one enters science to cause harm. The persistence of harmful animal use reflects structural inertia, not individual intent.
Progress should not come at the expense of animal lives. Not for animals. Not for science.
We work with the science community, not against It
Many scientists share our goal of reducing and replacing harmful animal use.
What blocks progress are system-wide barriers, funding pathways, regulatory structures, education models, and entrenched research practices.
BAR works alongside members of the animal science and research community to remove those barriers and accelerate the transition to validated non-animal methodologies.
BAR works alongside members of the animal science and research community to remove those barriers and accelerate the transition to validated non-animal methodologies.
We reject the false divide between animal advocates and scientists.
Progress happens when we work together.
Breaking the barriers keeping science tied to animal harm
Beyond Animal Research discovers and removes the system-wide barriers preventing ethical, effective science from replacing animal use.
By building trust, encouraging evidence-based dialogue, and aligning incentives, we accelerate the shift beyond animal testing.
We intentionally bring together groups with traditionally opposing perspectives to find principled common ground because durable reform requires cooperation.
See who’s behind the movement
Beyond Animal Research is powered by scientists, advocates, and supporters working together to change how science is done in Aotearoa.
Our strategy
We concentrate on long-term structural reform, not short-term reactions
Our work is grounded in five strategic pillars:
Policy and regulatory reform
Advancing legislative and regulatory change that removes reliance on animal use.
Supporting non-animal methodology development
Promoting the funding, validation, and adoption of ethical and effective alternatives.
Building scientific alliances
Uniting progressive researchers, institutions, and organisations in New Zealand and internationally.
Public awareness based on evidence
Shifting understanding through credible, science-based communication.
Systems change over symbolic wins
Concentrating on structural transformation that endures.
Our focus areas
Turning vision into measurable action
Advancing ethical alternatives
Promoting development, funding, validation, and adoption of non-animal methodologies.
Driving systemic policy reform
Advocating for regulatory and legislative change that replaces harmful animal use with effective alternatives.
Building influence with science and decision-makers
Working alongside researchers, institutions, and policymakers to accelerate transition.
Educating and shifting culture
Building public and institutional trust in ethical, effective science.
The principles that drive us
Animals
Animals are sentient beings who deserve lives free from harm.
Science
Reliable, human-relevant research methods strengthen scientific integrity.
Aotearoa
Robust, species-specific research improves long-term health outcomes for animals and humans.
Beyond
When Aotearoa leads in ethical science, others follow.
Our core principles
We believe in a world where science thrives without harming animals.
With you, we are building this future based on these core principles
Animal sentience
As sentient beings, animals deserve to live without harm, exploitation, or suffering caused by humans.
Ethical science
Rigorous science requires strong animal welfare and robust, ethical practices. Ethical research, testing and teaching practices that avoid harming animals will improve scientific integrity alongside public trust.
Non-Animal Methods (NAMS)
Replacing the harmful use of animals in science with validated non-animal methods will facilitate reliable, effective, and scientifically sound research outcomes.
Species-specific research
Using non-harmful scientific methods that focus on humans should be how we find effective solutions for humans, just as the non-harmful study of animals should be how we find effective solutions for animals.
Public education
Educating the wider public about how animals are used in science and innovative alternatives will improve their understanding of the ethical and scientific issues involved, ultimately shifting societal views and advancing scientific progress.
Frequently asked questions
Why is animal testing still happening today?
Animal testing continues largely because the wider system around it has been built over decades and cannot be switched off overnight.
Progress is slowed by a range of systemic barriers, including outdated laws and regulations, limited funding for animal-free methods, and research systems that still rely heavily on traditional animal models.
Often, scientists would prefer access to more effective and ethical tools, but the system has not yet fully evolved.
At BAR, we are dedicated to removing these barriers together with the science community and our supporters.
Learn more about these challenges on our What’s Stopping Progress page.
What makes Beyond Animal Research unique in New Zealand?
We do not campaign against science. We work with the science community to help change it from within.
BAR brings together people who have often been treated as if they are on opposite sides and aligns them around a shared goal: better science without animal harm.
How reliable are alternatives compared to animal testing?
There is still progress to be made, but there are already clear examples where human-based methods are proving more predictive for people than animal models.
Animal data often fails to translate accurately because of fundamental biological differences between species.
Human-based methods can provide more relevant data in some areas, particularly when carefully designed and used as part of a broader, modern research approach.
For example, researchers have built large databases linking the chemical structure of substances to their toxic effects in humans. Using this data, advanced computer models can predict certain types of toxicity with greater accuracy than traditional animal tests.
Another example is skin allergy testing. Today, human cell-based tests and computer modelling can be used to assess whether ingredients in products like cosmetics or detergents are likely to cause allergic reactions. When combined, these human-based methods have been shown to outperform animal tests in predicting human skin reactions.
How can I help end animal testing in New Zealand?
Start by learning more and sharing trusted information. Choose genuinely cruelty-free products and support charities like BAR that are working for evidence-based change.
One of the most effective ways to help is by backing the experts working on this issue through BAR’s Founding 500.
Join the science alliance for animals
The division has halted progress long enough.
Collaboration is how we move forward.
Sign up to help shape the future of ethical science.