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Animal research still causes harm – and alternatives exist

Animal testing is still widespread, even as concern grows and alternatives emerge that could reduce harm.

Updated 27 Mar 2026 | 4 min read

1 https://publications.csiro.au/publications/publication/PIcsiro:EP2023-3601

2 https://responsibleinvestment.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/From-Values-to-Riches-2024_RIAA.pdf

3 The number of animals used in research is not consistently recorded. The most reliable figure we have to date is that over 190 million animals were used for scientific purposes (not including observational studies) in 2015: Taylor K, Alvarez LR. An Estimate of the Number of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes Worldwide in 2015. Alternatives to Laboratory Animals. 2019;47(5-6):196-213. doi:10.1177/0261192919899853; Statista reports over 50 million animals used in research and testing in 2020 across selected countries: https://www.statista.com/statistics/639954/animals-used-in-research-experiments-worldwide/

4 https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-prioritize-human-based-research-technologies

5 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/animal-testing-to-be-phased-out-faster-as-uk-unveils-roadmap-for-alternative-methods