UK researchers exploring methods and technologies that will advance scientific and medical knowledge and replace the use of laboratory animals can now apply for funding from the Dr Hadwen Trust for Humane Research (DHT).

Proposals relevant to any area of medical research or testing will be considered but research must be directed towards replacing the use of living animals in current procedures within the applicant's laboratory, or preferably, in the wider field.

Research which requires or involves the use of living animals in any way will not be considered.

Scientific grants may be awarded for any period of up to 3 years.  The recently increased amount of funding that can be requested is up to £60,000 per year which includes a maximum of £10,000 for consumables, although other amounts may be considered in exceptional circumstances at the sole discretion of the DHT.

Kailah Eglington, Chief Executive of the Dr Hadwen Trust, said: "Each year the Dr Hadwen Trust funds pioneering medical research which benefits humans and animals. 

"Last year we awarded five grants which supported vital studies into such diverse areas as epilepsy, bone disease in childhood leukaemia, brain cell imaging, nanotoxicity and abdominal pain studies.  We are expecting to receive even more applications this year."

The deadline for submitting preliminary applications is December 21, 2011.

Application forms can be found at www.drhadwentrust.org/Grants

The Dr Hadwen Trust for Humane Research (DHT) is the UK's leading medical research charity funding and promoting the development of techniques and procedures to replace the use of animals in biomedical research and testing.  The DHT was established in 1970 and is supported by patrons such as Dame Judi Dench, Joanna Lumley, Brian May and David Shepherd.  Funded solely by charitable donations, the DHT has awarded grants to over 140 research projects for some of the most advanced and successful human-related techniques in diverse areas of medical research including cancer, Alzheimer's, asthma, kidney, heart and liver disease and diabetes.