About Us
The Australian Association for Humane Research Inc. is a non-profit organization that challenges the use of animals in research on both ethical and scientific grounds and promotes the use of more humane and scientifically-valid non-animal methods of research. We maintain that real medical progress can only be made through studying our own species and not artificially-induced diseases and conditions in animals.
The aims of the AAHR are:
- To promote all viable methods of healing which do not at any stage involve the use of animals;
- To promote the use of scientific alternatives in all forms of medical, scientific and commercial research;
- To help disseminate evidence, as it becomes available, that the use of alternatives is less costly, more accurate and more humane than the use of animals in experiments;
- To work for the abolition of all experiments using animals.
About Us | AAHR History | Meet the AAHR team
AAHR History
Ms Elizabeth Ahlston
The Australian Association for Humane Research Inc was founded in October 1979 by Ms Elizabeth Ahlston. It was registered under the Charitable Collections Act (NSW) on 13th December 1979 and incorporated on 6th January 1992.
Originally based in Sydney, AAHR has been considered the “premier” anti-vivisection group in Australia. In its formative years AAHR organized a visit to Australia by Muriel the Lady Dowding – founder of the Beauty Without Cruelty movement which first exposed the cruel methods used in testing cosmetics on un-anaesthetised animals.
In 1984 AAHR provided a submission and testified to the Senate Select Committee on Animal Welfare regarding animal experimentation.
The NEAMS (New Educational Aids in Medicine and Science) Trust was launched in 1991 and a number of grants were subsequently awarded for non-animal research.
In 1994, AAHR hosted a tour by Dr Donald Barnes of NAVS (National Anti Vivisection Society), USA and in 1995, a visit by Dr Neal Barnard, President of PCRM (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine). Both visits provided great opportunity for public exposure and awareness of animal experimentation.
In 2000, a new trust fund MAWA (Medical Advances Without Animals) was launched to support non-animal research projects and training of scientists in non-animal techniques. MAWA has since become a separate entity.
Over the years, AAHR also supported many overseas campaigns including sending 30,000 aerograms to Brussels protesting the continued use of the LD-50 test, 10,000 aerograms to the President of the European Parliament protesting the failure by EEC to ban animal testing of cosmetics, support for BUAV’s “Paradise Lost” campaign about primates and the campaign against the plight of China’s Moon Bears milked for their bile. Local campaigns have included protests against the provision of pound dogs to research laboratories, use of the Fat-Tailed Dunnart (an Australian marsupial) in experiments about obesity, and a parade of giant rabbits with Draize-test damaged eyes through the streets of Sydney.
In March 2005, the Australian Association for Humane Research underwent considerable change. After over 25 years of undoubted commitment and dedication to the cause, Ms Elizabeth Ahlston, founder and long term President, decided it was time to move on and AAHR was handed over to a new Management Committee and relocated to Melbourne.
Under the current management and executive, AAHR has hosted a visit to Australia by scientific consultants Andre Menache and Colleen McDuling, produced an educational DVD “Beyond the Cage” which provides a general overview of animal research in Australia, prepared several government submissions pertaining to animal research, attended and presented at various conferences and expos and undertaken a number of specific campaigns. Visit our campaigns pages [link] and newsletters page [link] for full details of our more recent activities.
About Us | AAHR History | Meet the AAHR team
Meet the AAHR team
Committee
Steph Geddes, President
Steph first became involved in the animal welfare movement approximately 25 years ago when she became a member of The Humane Society of Australia (Vic.). After some years on the committee she was elected President. During this time she was also employed by Animals Australia as Office Administrator and retired after 20 years.
Brian Gardiner, Hon. Treasurer
For the past four years Brian has worked in an administrative role within the energy industry. Prior to that he spent 20 years in banking & finance – experience which he is now able to draw upon in his current position as Hon. Treasurer.
Jenny Fairless, Secretary
Together with her husband, Jenny runs their own business which sells pre-loved golf balls. She has been involved with the animal rights movement for 17 years and specifically with Choose Cruelty Free for the last 14 years.
Paul Crossley, Committee Member
Paul has been involved in campaigns against animal experimentation with a number of organisations for 13 years. He works as a management consultant and has experience assisting medium sized business through to large corporations as well as government departments and not-for-profit organisations in strategy development and operational improvement.
Sarah Gardiner, Committee Member
Sarah has worked for a small, cruelty-free cosmetic company for the last four years. Her role is mainly administrative, but she also assists with marketing & customer service as needed. Sarah has always been an advocate of animal rights.
Staff
Helen Rosser, Chief Executive Officer
Following a 12 year career in investment banking, Helen pursued a number of projects specific to animal welfare/rights. She was employed by Animals Australia for eight years, during which time she participated in the NHMRC’s public consultation on xenotransplantation, and founded Humane Charities Australia Inc. a project aimed to identify health charities that do not conduct nor support animal-based research.
Helen left Animals Australia in 2004 to produce ‘Animals Matter’ – Australia’s first television program about animal welfare and rights issues. In 2005 she completed the Grad. Certificate in Animal Welfare at Monash University.
Carrie Barnes, Education Officer
Carrie has a diploma in Applied Science – Animal Technology. This gave her first hand knowledge into the animal research industry and strengthened her opposition to using animals in research and experiments.
During the last 12 years, Carrie has worked in the animal welfare and veterinary industries. Employment roles include senior veterinary nurse, animal behaviourist, administration, fundraising, animal welfare education and other animal advocate positions. She also supports many animal charities and particularly enjoys her role at AAHR as it utilises her knowledge and experience.
Emma Burgess, Project Coordinator
After 8 years, Emma left the Financial Services Industry in 2006 to undertake a degree in Health Science. Emma feels privileged to also have found employment at AAHR, after a number of years working as a volunteer on campaigns to stop animal suffering – particularly for those in laboratories. With a strong opposition to animal experiments, Emma believes her prior corporate experience; ongoing studies of science and human health; and role as Project Coordinator at AAHR, will increase her capacity to campaign for animals.