Speaking of Research
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| Founded | March 2008 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Tom Holder |
| Type | Advocacy group |
| Focus | Support for animal research |
| Mission | Speaking of Research aims to provide accurate information about the importance of animal research / animal testing in medical and veterinary science. |
| Website | www.speakingofresearch.com |
Speaking of Research (SR) is an international group which "aims to provide accurate information about the importance of animal research in medical and veterinary science". It was founded in March, 2008 by Tom Holder, an "energetic young British activist who played an active role in the Pro-Test movement at the University of Oxford," who moved to the US for the purpose of setting up such a group. Holder had previously been a spokesman for Pro-Test, as well as acting as emcee for their three demonstrations.
Speaking of Research state their aims are to "change the tide of the controversial animal rights debate by encouraging students and scientists to speak out in favor of the lifesaving research developed with animals." Their launch came during a period of increased direct action in the US. Since 2007, a number of researchers from the University of California system have had their homes attacked by animal rights activists, including one University of California, Santa Cruz(UCSC) researcher whose residence was invaded by six masked activists on February 24, 2008. According to the journal Science, the group also aims to "[work] with public schools to counter information from groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals."
Speaking of Research's launch was jointly supported by both Pro-Test in the UK, and Americans for Medical Progress in the US. In 2014/15, its running costs were approximately $150 and paid by small donations from supporters. Its committee is made up primarily of researchers and veterinary technicians, including members of UCLA Pro-Test such as Dr. David Jentsch.
During "World Week for Animals in Laboratories (2008)," Holder traveled to West Coast universities including UCLA, Berkeley, Oregon Health & Sciences University, and the University of Washington to speak about the role of animals in biomedical research. Speaking of Research have supported pro-animal research movements around the world including "Pro-Test for Science" (in the US) and "Pro-Test Italia" (in Italy). Their committee includes individuals from the US, Canada, UK, Portugal and Italy.
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