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If you’ve ever wondered whether animal testing is necessary to advance medical research, stay tuned.
In 2023 an estimated 3.1 million animals were used for scientific purposes in Canada, representing a number four times higher per capita than the European Union and Norway combined. But you may be surprised to learn that there’s a growing body of evidence disproving the accepted belief: that animal experimentation is necessary simply because no alternatives exist.
In fact, decades of animal data demonstrate that over 90% of drugs deemed safe and effective in animals fail in human trials, according to Dr. Charu Chandrasekera. She’s the founder and executive director of the Canadian Institute for Animal-Free Science. An international expert in animal-free methods and science policy, Charu is transforming Canada’s animal testing landscape through 21st-century innovation and ethics.
We speak with her next.
Dr. Charu Chandrasekera is the founder and executive director of the Canadian Institute for Animal-Free Science
Welcome to In the Business of Change, where we speak with social entrepreneurs impacting their communities and the world. I’m your host Elisa Birnbaum publisher and editor in chief of SEE Change Magazine. On today’s episode we speak with animal-free researcher and advocate Dr. Charu Chandrasekera.
In our conversation Charu shares the defining moment that saw her transition from a traditional animal researcher to a Canada’s top champion for animal-free science. We discuss her pivotal role in shaping Canada’s landmark legislation to phase out chemical testing on animals and in the founding of Canada’s first national centre dedicated exclusively to non-animal methods. We then explore her tireless work harnessing cutting-edge innovations to revolutionize science, transform policy, and save human and animal lives, guided by sound science and ethical integrity.
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