End animal research at UMass by 2030

The Issue

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) has long been involved in animal research as a part of its scientific studies. While this research aims to advance our understanding of various biological processes and diseases, it also raises significant ethical and scientific concerns. Animal research is criticized for its cruelty and the pain inflicted on sentient beings and its limited applicability to human biology due to inherent species differences.

It's time for UMass to lead by example and shift towards more innovative and ethical scientific practices. We are calling for an end to animal research at UMass by the year 2030. Instead, the university can adopt New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) such as in vitro assays, computational modeling, and advanced physiological models, including organs-on-chips. Not only are these methods more humane, but they also offer more human-relevant data, which can accelerate the discovery of treatments and cures for human diseases.

In vitro assays, for instance, allow scientists to test biological reactions in a controlled environment using human cells, providing results that closely mimic human responses. Computational modeling similarly enables the simulation of complex biological systems, predicting how they react to various influences without the need for live animal subjects. Organs-on-chips use microengineering techniques to create tiny, realistic human organ systems, offering an unprecedented window into human physiology and disease progression.

Transitioning to these methods not only aligns UMass with modern scientific standards but also ensures that the university remains at the forefront of research innovation. Significant global research entities and regulatory bodies already support these methods, acknowledging their potential to replace animal testing in the near future.

By pledging to eliminate animal testing by 2030, UMass can demonstrate its commitment to ethical research and the pursuit of excellence in scientific discovery. Join us in demanding that UMass invest in these advanced, humane technologies and secure its status as a pioneer in leading ethical scientific practices.

Your signature can make a difference. Sign the petition today to push for a more humane and scientifically advanced future at UMass.

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The Issue

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) has long been involved in animal research as a part of its scientific studies. While this research aims to advance our understanding of various biological processes and diseases, it also raises significant ethical and scientific concerns. Animal research is criticized for its cruelty and the pain inflicted on sentient beings and its limited applicability to human biology due to inherent species differences.

It's time for UMass to lead by example and shift towards more innovative and ethical scientific practices. We are calling for an end to animal research at UMass by the year 2030. Instead, the university can adopt New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) such as in vitro assays, computational modeling, and advanced physiological models, including organs-on-chips. Not only are these methods more humane, but they also offer more human-relevant data, which can accelerate the discovery of treatments and cures for human diseases.

In vitro assays, for instance, allow scientists to test biological reactions in a controlled environment using human cells, providing results that closely mimic human responses. Computational modeling similarly enables the simulation of complex biological systems, predicting how they react to various influences without the need for live animal subjects. Organs-on-chips use microengineering techniques to create tiny, realistic human organ systems, offering an unprecedented window into human physiology and disease progression.

Transitioning to these methods not only aligns UMass with modern scientific standards but also ensures that the university remains at the forefront of research innovation. Significant global research entities and regulatory bodies already support these methods, acknowledging their potential to replace animal testing in the near future.

By pledging to eliminate animal testing by 2030, UMass can demonstrate its commitment to ethical research and the pursuit of excellence in scientific discovery. Join us in demanding that UMass invest in these advanced, humane technologies and secure its status as a pioneer in leading ethical scientific practices.

Your signature can make a difference. Sign the petition today to push for a more humane and scientifically advanced future at UMass.

The Decision Makers

Massachusetts Democratic Party
Massachusetts Democratic Party

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Petition created on November 25, 2025