News, research & insights

The evidence.

The progress.

The shift away from animal testing.

The harmful use of animals in science remains embedded in research systems across Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. Many researchers want credible alternatives. Many advocates want change. Yet structural barriers slow the transition.

Here we capture what is changing and what still must change.

Join our mailing list

science-policy-change-for-animal-free-research

The shift

Beyond-Animal-Testing-New-Zealand-Rabbit-Science-Testing

The system is changing, but not fast enough.

Outdated research models, regulatory inertia, and funding constraints continue to sustain harmful animal use in science.

Without coordinated reform, progress remains fragmented.

Beyond Animal Research (BAR) exists to accelerate the shift towards alternative methods that are free from animal harm, responsibly, credibly, and collaboratively.

Here we track the developments shaping that transition.

Our priorities: evidence, alternatives, and accountability.

Meaningful reform for animals and science requires three things:

Transparent, accurate data
Scalable non-animal methods (NAMs)
Collaboration across science, policy, and advocacy

Our news & insights hub brings these elements together.

You’ll find:

Advances in non-animal methods and human-relevant science
Analysis of animal use statistics and regulatory developments in NZ
Campaign milestones and systemic reform efforts
Commentary from BAR’s Science Advisors and research partners
Practical ways to support evidence-based change

This is where evidence drives momentum.

The shift

Foetal bovine serum (FBS) in New Zealand: what it is and why it matters

Foetal bovine serum (FBS) in New Zealand What is it and why it matters Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is widely used in research but is made from the blood of unborn calves. This blog explains how FBS is produced in NZ, why it persists in science, and how BAR is working to...

What you can do to end animal testing: join the founding 500

What you can do to end animal testing Join the founding 500 Wondering what you can do to end animal testing? Join BAR’s Founding 500 - pioneers creating a future where science thrives without harming animals. What is the founding 500? Every movement for change begins...

The future of cell culture: a genuine alternative to foetal bovine serum (FBS)

The future of cell culture A genuine alternative to foetal bovine serum (FBS) This blog is part two of a series by Dr Katie Bashant Day, Chief Scientist at Media City Scientific. Part one explored how Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is obtained and why its use is facing...

What is foetal bovine serum (FBS)?

What is foetal bovine serum (FBS)? The ethically and scientifically problematic ingredient underlying biomedical research. When scientists grow cells in the lab, you’ll often see them working with dishes of bright red liquid - a nutrient mix used to keep cells alive...

A record-breaking year for animals used in NZ science – why the context matters

A record-breaking year for animals used in NZ science why the context matters NZ used more animals for science in 2024 than in any year since reporting began (1987) - but without proper context, the raw totals can be misleading. Here’s what the new data really tells...

NZ university forces the forced swim test to fall further from use

NZ University forces the forced swim test to fall further from use The University of Waikato takes a public stand against the Forced Swim Test. A big win for animals and science! The Forced Swim Test (FST) - a widely criticised and scientifically outdated animal test,...