The European Animal Research Association (EARA) is a nonprofit organization established in 2014, with headquarters in London and a prominent office in Brussels. EARA’s mission is to advocate for and communicate the importance of biomedical research involving animals, providing accurate, evidence-based information to the public, policymakers, and stakeholders. Its primary goal is to foster a better understanding of the necessity, benefits, and limitations of animal research within Europe, aiming to create a more constructive dialogue and a favorable climate for scientific advancement.
EARA was created by a coalition of academic institutions, industry representatives, and associations that recognized the need for a unified, pan-European voice in support of animal research. The association focuses on educating the public, supporting research stakeholders, and promoting the development of national networks to enhance openness and transparency around animal research practices. EARA coordinates national and international efforts to address political and public opinion challenges, advocates for regulatory frameworks that enable responsible research, and counters pressures that threaten the laboratory animal supply chain and the license to use animals in research.
EARA’s activities include public relations, advocacy, crisis communications, and event management, with a particular emphasis on supporting animal research facilities and ensuring access to the resources necessary for biomedical innovation. The association is also active in communication campaigns, responding to regulatory developments, and providing guidance to research organizations on improving public engagement and transparency.
EARA is registered with the EU Transparency Register (ID: 331480324807-34) since November 29, 2016, and is categorized as a non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on advocacy, regulation, and promoting understanding among public and political decision-makers regarding animal research. The association participates as an observer in the European Commission’s Competent Authorities’ Expert Group on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, reflecting its recognized role in the European research policy landscape.
With a small, specialized team, EARA’s declared lobbying costs have reached up to €350,000 in a single financial year, and it has consistently employed four full-time equivalent lobbyists. The organization’s leadership and staff bring expertise from scientific, communications, and advocacy backgrounds, ensuring a broad and informed approach to their mission.
