| In 1985 George J. Trapp, managing director
of the National Anti-Vivisection Society, William A. Cave,
the president of the American Anti-Vivisection Society,
and Robert Ford, the President of the New England Anti-Vivisection
Society came together out of their shared belief in the
animal rights movement in an effort to support their respective
societies and the entire anti-vivisection movement. Understanding
that the only way to eliminate the use of animals in research,
testing, and education was to develop some practical,
viable non-animal methodologies, they organized a joint
venture to accomplish these goals.
To promote the development of these new non-animal
methodologies, they formed the International Foundation
for Ethical Research (IFER), an organization dedicated
to supporting the development and implementation of
scientifically valid alternatives that refine, reduce,
or replace the use of live animals in research, product
testing, and classroom education.
Since its inception, IFER has awarded more than $1
million in research grants to scientists who are developing
credible alternatives and to post-graduate students
seeking to incorporate animal welfare issues into their
studies.
To help ensure that the grant monies that IFER distributes
are put to the best possible use, IFER has assembled
a highly reputable scientific advisory board. The SAB
selects those proposals presenting the most viable and
scientifically valid alternative methodologies and IFER
supports those projects to the best of its ability.
In addition to awarding grants to individuals, both
the Third and Fourth World Congresses on Alternative
and Animal Use in Life Sciences recognizes IFER as a
Congress Sponsor, an honor given to those who support
the work of the Congress with a donation in excess of
$25,000.
With the generous support of our members, IFER will
continue to provide funding to those scientists who
dedicate themselves to the development of scientifically
valid alternatives to animal research. Their work gives
us hope of a brighter future in which we can refine,
reduce, and replace the use of live animals in research,
product testing, and education.
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