Animal Free Research UK
Animal Free Research UK is a leading charity which has provided millions of pounds in funding for pioneering medical research and the development of human-focused technologies since its formation in 1970. In 2024 it founded the Centre for Human Specific Research to provide practical support for the transition to human-specific technologies.
Senior Management Team
Carla Owen
Chief Executive
Carla is the Chief Executive of Animal Free Research UK. With 20+ years’ experience of working in the charity sector, Carla has specialised in charity-corporate partnerships and works collaboratively with stakeholders across industries to create high impact change for people and animals.
Zoe Holt
Supporter Engagement Director
Zoe is the Supporter Engagement Director at Animal Free Research UK, bringing over 30 years of expertise in marketing and communications. She began her career in the financial services and retail sectors before transitioning to the not-for-profit sector, where she has spent the last 20 years specialising in marketing, communications, and fundraising.
Isobel Martin
Public Affairs Director
Isobel is the Public Affairs Director at Animal Free Research UK. Having graduated with a languages degree from the University of Oxford, she has spent her career in the third sector, focusing on both leadership and advocacy roles. She has extensive experience of working constructively with policymakers to secure progress.
Nicola Reeves
Finance & Resources Director
Nicola is the Finance & Resources Director of Animal Free Research UK, providing leadership for the financial, IT, HR and other internal service-orientated functions. With her extensive experience in “getting things done”, Nicola helps the team focus its efforts on ensuring better treatments are delivered faster.
Trustees
Professor Geoff Pilkington
Chair
Geoff is Chair of Trustees at Animal Free Research UK, Emeritus Professor of Cellular & Molecular Neuro-oncology at the University of Portsmouth, Visiting Professor Cardiff University and Honorary Professor Kings College London.
Geoff enjoyed a 50 year career in brain tumour research and championed the use of re-purposed and re-formulated drugs in the treatment of cancer to fast-track them into the clinic. He believes that animals in research are poor representations of human disease and so his research focus has been the development of 3D all human models for the study of brain tumours and the blood brain barrier. In this context he sees that such models can be effectively utilised in improved preclinical drug efficacy and delivery testing.
Daniel Cameron
Daniel is a Trustee at Animal Free Research UK and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales who has worked at senior strategic levels in the private and public sectors. He has been involved with national and local charities for some time.
Michelle Chan
Michelle is a Trustee at Animal Free Research UK and an accomplished commercial lawyer, dually qualified in England and Singapore. With extensive experience in the retail, manufacturing, and technology industries, she offers a pragmatic and business-focused approach to legal matters. Michelle is a trusted advisor to top management, known for her ability to drive business success and ensure robust corporate governance.
George Eustice
George is a Trustee at Animal Free Research UK and an accomplished policymaker with nearly a decade of experience as a Minister in DEFRA, including three years in Cabinet. During his tenure, he played a key role in landmark legislation such as the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022, regulations mandating CCTV in slaughterhouses, and the Agriculture Act 2020, which introduced the concept of animal welfare as a public good.
After leaving Government, George founded Penbroath, a consultancy specialising in environmental policy. Drawing on his extensive experience, he continues to focus on advancing innovative and sustainable approaches to policymaking.
Anna Firth
Anna is a Trustee at Animal Free Research UK and a passionate advocate for public safety and animal welfare with over a decade of experience as a Barrister, specialising in medical negligence. As the former MP for Southend West & Leigh, she delivered multiple law-changes including banning nitrous oxide and zombie knives as well as delivering record investment into Southend’s Hospital, sea-front and Old Leigh Port. Anna also introduced the Pet Abduction Act, a landmark measure to make pet theft a specific offence. Anna remains dedicated to advancing policies that protect both people and animals.
Dr Malcolm Wilkinson
Malcolm is a Trustee at Animal Free Research UK, Non-exec Chairman of Kirkstall Ltd and Visiting Professor at Sheffield University in Biomedical Engineering.
After studying Physics at Oxford University, Malcolm is now an expert in microfluidics, biomedical devices and has contributed to several books on in vitro models of toxicity. He is a champion for the use of leading-edge technology to replace animal testing for the development of safe drugs, nutraceuticals, chemicals and cosmetics.
Sapna Shah
Sapna, a CPA and seasoned finance professional, brings expertise from the Big Four and both profit and non-profit sectors. She specialises in strategic financial planning and sustainable business growth. As a Jain, she is committed to minimising harm to animals and supports ethical research advancements.
“It’s an honour to join Animal Free Research UK’s board and contribute to its growth. With rapid progress in alternative research, I’m excited to support its mission to advance human-relevant science without animal testing.”
Katie Clough
Katie is an experienced fundraiser with over seven years’ expertise in developing strategic and impactful income generation. She specialises in corporate partnerships and has a strong track record of building lasting relationships that deliver meaningful support. A confident speaker and mentor, Katie is passionate about innovative, ethical fundraising and engaging companies in long-term partnerships that align with purpose and impact.
“I’m delighted to join the Board of Trustees and contribute to the organisation’s mission. I look forward to supporting the growth of sustainable fundraising that drives forward animal-free research.”
Dr Adam Haswell
Adam trained as a doctor and worked in academic oncosurgery for over a decade. He then moved to an agency role where he supported major pharmaceutical and device companies as they developed and launched products, specialising in identifying emerging researchers and clinical experts with cutting-edge interests.
“I have long held the belief that animal models offer a flawed approach to early human studies in biosciences. With new research approaches it is becoming increasingly difficult to justify animal-based studies and I am excited to support Animal Free Research UK as a trustee”.