Ten years of pioneering research into human cancer models marks a decade of progress towards replacing the use of animals in medical research.
Today, Queen Mary University of London celebrates the tenth anniversary of the UK’s first Animal Replacement Centre of Excellence (ARC), established in partnership with Animal Free Research UK.
Since its launch in 2016, the ARC at Queen Mary has championed innovative, human-specific approaches to understanding cancer, including the development of 3D human cell models to study how cancer spreads and invades other parts of the body (metastasis).
The ARC at Queen Mary was established with a £1 million investment from Animal Free Research UK and is based at Queen Mary’s Blizard Institute. Under the leadership of Professor Mike Philpott and Dr Adrian Biddle, its researchers have advanced the use of 3D human cell cultures and organ-on-chip systems to investigate human disease in ways that can reduce and ultimately replace the use of animals in research for better patient outcomes.
At the event, Professor Mike Philpott was awarded the prestigious Pioneer Award for his lifelong work, developing 3D cancer cell models to study the growth and spread of human skin cancers. These models aim to provide an advanced, human-specific way of investigating cancer biology and evaluating potential treatments.
These models are designed to replace experiments that often use hundreds or even thousands of animals, which due to the significant biological, anatomical and genetic differences between animals and humans, often fail to translate into benefit for patients.
Professor Philpott retired from Queen Mary in December 2025, leaving a lasting legacy through his pioneering work on animal-free approaches to cancer research.
Research now continues at the ARC at Queen Mary, where Dr Adrian Biddle and his group are leading the way in developing ethical, effective, human-specific models to study cancer. Dr Biddle’s team are exploring how 3D cell cultures and organ-on-chip technologies can be combined with computer-based approaches including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to study oral cancer. These technologies have the potential to help researchers analyse patient biopsy data and investigate which tumours may be more likely to spread.
Since its establishment, the ARC at Queen Mary has attracted substantial further investment, supporting the continued development of animal-free, human-specific models for cancer research.
Further funding has included:
- the National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs) to develop a metastasis on a chip model
- Oracle Cancer Trust to pursue the use of in vitro models for development of a clinically predictive disease signature for oral cancer
- the Medical Research Council for identification of molecular mechanisms driving metastasis and their therapeutic inhibition in in vitro (lab-based) models.
Together, these investments demonstrate the growing recognition of innovative human-specific research methods and their potential to advance medical research.
As the ARC at Queen Mary marks its tenth anniversary, its work reflects the growing importance of developing research methods that are both scientifically robust and relevant to human health.
Carla Owen, Animal Free Research UK, Chief Executive said,
“We are delighted to present Emeritus Professor Mike Philpott with the Pioneer Award on behalf of Animal Free Research UK and the Centre for Human Specific Research. The award recognises his incredible dedication to developing human-specific, animal-free research models that represent the future of medical research.“
“The achievements of Professor Philpott and his team in this critical area of human health are a shining example of the success of this programme and the possibilities that come with the transition to human-specific research.”
Carla Owen
Professor Mike Philpott, Professor Emeritus of Cutaneous Biology said,
“I am honoured to receive this award and to recognise the remarkable achievements of this research team. Our partnership with Animal Free Research UK has enabled us to make meaningful progress towards more effective, human-relevant treatments for patients while supporting a future where animals are no longer part of the research process. This work would not be possible without the charity’s continued support and Adrian Biddle’s unwavering commitment to advancing innovation in human-specific science.”
Professor Mike Philpott
Dr Adrian Biddle, Reader in Cancer Research and Biology, Queen Mary University of London said,
“It is a great privilege to be a part of the QMUL ARC which, under Professor Mike Philpott’s guidance and with support from Animal Free Research UK, has been an incredible place to build a research lab. Mike is a true pioneer in animal-free medical research, an inspirational mentor and champion of young scientists. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of this Pioneer Award.“
Dr Adrian Biddle
The work being undertaken at Queen Mary and at the growing number of ARCs across the UK is crucial to efforts to advance human relevant research and replace the use of animals in medical science.