In this episode of the Research Forward Podcast, host David sits down with Arantza Muriana, Chief Investigational Officer and CEO of Biobide’s American affiliate. Arantza shares her inspiring journey from clinical trials in Spain to pioneering preclinical research using zebrafish and other aquatic models. Together, they explore how Biobide is transforming drug discovery, toxicology, and environmental safety testing through innovative, ethical, and high-throughput methods. Learn how zebrafish are helping reduce animal testing, accelerate rare disease research, and improve regulatory science. From AI-driven image analysis to personalized medicine and environmental impact assessments, this conversation dives deep into the science, challenges, and promise of alternative models in modern biotech.

In this episode of the Research Forward Podcast, host David Mayo sits down with Dr. Eleanor Raffan, veterinary surgeon and geneticist at the University of Cambridge, to explore the surprising genetic links between obesity in dogs and humans. Through her groundbreaking work with pet Labradors and other breeds, Dr. Raffan reveals how genes like POMC and D1B influence appetite, metabolism, and weight gain—offering insights that challenge the conventional wisdom that obesity is simply a matter of willpower. Her research not only highlights the biological complexity of obesity but also underscores the shared health challenges between humans and their canine companions. Dr. Raffan also discusses the ethical and practical importance of studying dogs in their home environments rather than in kennels, and how her team’s findings are reshaping how veterinarians and pet owners approach obesity prevention. From the role of polygenic risk scores to the impact of neutering on appetite, this episode dives deep into the science of obesity while advocating for compassion and understanding—both for pets and people. Whether you're a dog lover, a health professional, or just curious about the genetics of weight, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on a growing global issue.

In this episode of the Research Forward Podcast, host David Mayo welcomes Javier Guillén, Senior Director at AAALAC International, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of laboratory animal science and global accreditation. Javier shares his personal journey from a veterinary graduate in Spain to a global leader in animal welfare and research ethics. He reflects on the early challenges of entering the field without formal training, the importance of ethical oversight, and how international collaboration has shaped the standards we see today. Gain insight into the mission and impact of AAALAC International, the value of voluntary accreditation, and the role of a “culture of care” in advancing both science and animal welfare. Javier also discusses the importance of harmonization—not standardization—across global research environments, and how institutions can continuously improve through peer review, self-evaluation, and commitment to the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement). Whether you're a researcher, veterinarian, or simply curious about the ethics behind scientific progress, this episode offers a thoughtful and inspiring perspective.

In this episode of the Research Forward Podcast, host David Mayo sits down with Professor Paul Flecknell, a global authority on laboratory animal welfare, anesthesia, and pain management. With over four decades of experience, Professor Flecknell shares his journey from aspiring large-animal vet to pioneering researcher and educator in lab animal care. He discusses the critical importance of refining anesthesia and analgesia practices—not just for ethical reasons, but to improve the quality and reliability of scientific data. Whether you're a researcher, veterinarian, or simply curious about the ethics behind scientific discovery, you'll find valuable insights into how thoughtful care and modern technology can elevate both animal welfare and research quality. It's a powerful reminder that even small improvements in practice can lead to meaningful change.

In this episode, Professor Jan-Bas Prins shares his journey in lab animal science and his advocacy for reducing animal testing. He stresses the importance of alternative methods like organoids and AI, and the need for ethical and practical shifts towards animal-free research.

In this powerful episode of the Research Forward Podcast, host David Mayo sits down with Dr. Dvir Mintz, Director of the Preclinical Research Authority at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, to explore what it means to lead a critical animal research facility during a time of war. While on vacation abroad, Dr. Mintz was thrust into crisis management as conflict erupted back home, forcing him to coordinate operations remotely under extreme conditions. Through candid storytelling, Dr. Mintz shares how his team’s preparedness, adaptability, and deep sense of community enabled them to maintain animal welfare and research continuity despite missile threats, disrupted supply chains, and staffing challenges. He discusses the importance of radical self-reliance, the mental health of animal care workers, and how lessons from events like Burning Man helped shape a resilient, self-sustaining operational model. This episode is a masterclass in leadership under pressure, offering valuable insights for anyone involved in research, crisis planning, or team management.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Dr. Lily Iskhakova, a leading neuroscientist from the Weizmann Institute. They delve into the intricate world of neuronal networks, exploring the mysteries of learning, memory, and neurological disorders. Dr. Iskhakova shares her innovative work on the rehabilitation of animals used in Parkinson's disease models, highlighting her research on the electrophysiological fingerprints of aberrant neuronal activity in primate models.The conversation covers the development of surgical methods to address medication-resistant neurological and psychiatric disorders through deep brain stimulation and neurofeedback algorithms. Dr. Iskhakova explains the potential of these techniques to reformat pathological brain activity and improve patient outcomes. They also discuss the unique environment of the Weizmann Institute, which fosters collaboration and innovation among researchers from diverse backgrounds.Additionally, Dr. Iskhakova emphasizes the importance of animal care and training in research, detailing her approach to building trust and positive reinforcement with primates. The episode concludes with insights into the future of neuroscience research and the potential for new treatments for Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the groundbreaking work being done at the Weizmann Institute and its implications for the field of neuroscience.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Professor Livia D'Angelo, the driving force behind the MorphoPHEN program. MorphoPHEN is a collaborative master's program involving four leading European universities, aimed at training experts in mouse phenotyping to advance our understanding of human diseases. Professor D'Angelo discusses the interdisciplinary nature of the program, which integrates anatomy, pathology, imaging, and deep learning to provide a comprehensive education in mouse model research.The conversation delves into the origins of MorphoPHEN, highlighting the need for standardized training in mouse phenotyping due to the increasing complexity of genetic modifications in research. Professor D'Angelo shares her journey from veterinary studies to leading this innovative program, emphasizing the importance of proper animal care and the ethical considerations in research.They also explore the practical applications of the program, including the use of virtual microscopy and digital pathology to reduce the number of animals used in research. The episode concludes with insights into the future of MorphoPHEN, including potential expansions and the integration of organoid research. This episode offers a detailed look at how MorphoPHEN is shaping the future of biomedical research and education.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Dr. Viola Galligioni, a veterinarian with extensive experience in laboratory animal science across four European countries. Dr. Galligioni shares her journey from aspiring equine surgeon to managing animal facilities in Italy, the Czech Republic, Ireland, and the Netherlands. They discuss the unique challenges of leading teams in diverse cultural contexts and the importance of adaptability and patience in her role.The conversation delves into the complexities of managing different animal species, including mice, pigs, and zebrafish, and the logistical hurdles of ensuring consistent care and regulatory compliance across various countries. Dr. Galligioni emphasizes the significance of proper training and education for all personnel involved in animal care, highlighting the need for a standardized approach to ensure animal welfare and research integrity.Additionally, they explore the impact of privacy laws on managing sick leave and the importance of clear communication and collaboration with HR departments. Dr. Galligioni offers insights into the future of laboratory animal science, advocating for greater openness and sharing of experiences within the community. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the multifaceted role of a veterinarian in laboratory animal science and the ongoing efforts to enhance animal welfare and research practices.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Mireia Cigarrán, CEO and founder of VRPharma, an innovative company using virtual reality to transform patient experiences, particularly for children and adults undergoing medical procedures. Mireia shares her journey from industrial and chemical engineering to founding VRPharma, driven by her personal experiences as a mother witnessing her child's distress during medical treatments.The conversation explores the remarkable impact of VRPharma's platform, which boasts a 99.4% patient recommendation rate. Mireia discusses the challenges of integrating virtual reality (VR) technology into healthcare, including financial constraints, regulatory barriers, and resistance to change. Despite these hurdles, VRPharma has conducted multiple clinical trials demonstrating significant reductions in pain, anxiety, and stress for both patients and healthcare staff.They delve into the diverse applications of VR in healthcare, from pediatric care to adult oncology and ICU units, highlighting the emotional and economic benefits of VR technology. Mireia emphasizes the importance of tailored content for different age groups and medical needs, ensuring the effectiveness of VR therapies. This episode offers a compelling look at how VRPharma is revolutionizing patient care and advancing the future of healthcare technology.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Professor Adriana Tavares, a leading expert in translational molecular imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Professor Tavares shares her extensive background in nuclear medicine, biomedical engineering, and radiotracer development, highlighting her journey from her academic beginnings to her current role at the University of Edinburgh.The conversation delves into the intricacies of PET imaging, discussing its advantages over other imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans. Professor Tavares explains how PET imaging can detect diseases at very early stages by examining the function of organs and cells, rather than just their structure. They explore the development of new radiotracers, such as LW223, which has significant implications for diagnosing and treating diseases where inflammation plays a key role.Additionally, they discuss the challenges of quantifying PET data and the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance image analysis. The episode also touches on the ethical considerations and advancements in reducing animal use in research through technologies like body-on-chip systems. Professor Tavares emphasizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration in advancing the field of PET imaging, offering valuable insights into the future of this transformative technology.

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Adrian Zeltner, a leading expert in mini pig care, handling, anesthesia, and surgery, with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and biomedical research industries. Adrian shares his unique career journey, from his beginnings in Switzerland to his time in New Zealand and eventual move to Denmark, where he became deeply involved in mini pig research.The conversation delves into the various applications of mini pigs in biomedical research, highlighting their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans, which make them valuable models for studying cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and dermatological conditions. Adrian explains the benefits of using mini pigs, including their manageable size and the ethical considerations in their care and use.They also discuss the importance of proper handling, dosing, and training techniques to ensure animal welfare and the accuracy of research outcomes. Adrian emphasizes the role of continuous professional development and the need for refined surgical and anesthetic procedures to minimize stress and improve data quality.The episode concludes with Adrian's insights on the future of biomedical research, advocating for the reduction and eventual elimination of animal use through advancements in alternative methods and technologies. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the critical role mini pigs play in advancing medical science and the ongoing efforts to enhance animal welfare in research.

In this episode, Dr. Diego Celdran-Bonafonte discusses his work in 3D printing surgical simulators as an ethical training alternative. Dr. Celdran-Bonafonte explores the benefits of 3D printed models in veterinary education, their role in the 3Rs, and the future of 3D printing in surgical training, advocating for its adoption.

In this episode, Professor Ralf Weiskirchen discusses the complexities of liver fibrosis, its causes, and potential treatments, including the role of biomarkers and advancements in gene therapy. The conversation also highlights the importance of cell line authentication in research to ensure data integrity and reproducibility.

In this episode, Alison Hopkins discusses her career shift from accounting to animal technology, the emotional challenges of the field, and the lack of mental health support. She shares self-care strategies, emphasizing the need for supportive work environments and addressing compassion fatigue.

In this episode, Dr. Borges, a leader in zebrafish research at the Gulbenkian Institute of Molecular Medicine, discusses zebrafish’s unique traits that make them ideal for genetic and biomedical studies, Dr. Borges’ transition from mammalian to aquatic research, and the importance of health monitoring in zebrafish facilities.

In this episode Dr. Sergio Salazar, co-founder of Ovum SPF, discusses the innovative use of specified pathogen-free (SPF) eggs in vaccine production. He shares insights into the design and technological advancements of their new facility in Navarra, Spain, and the critical role of SPF eggs in ensuring high-quality vaccines.

In this episode, Dr. Bella Lear discusses her journey in science communication and the importance of transparency in animal research. She highlights the challenges and successes of promoting public engagement and shares her vision for the future of science communication in Australia.

In this episode, Dr. Ana Belén Marín Arroyo discusses her research on human evolution, focusing on the resilience of past human groups and their subsistence strategies in relation to climatic and environmental conditions in Eurasia from 200,000 to 3,000 years ago.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Brazzell, the Head of Anatomic Pathology at IDEXX BioAnalytics, shares her extensive experience and insights into the field of veterinary pathology. Jennifer is double board-certified in veterinary clinical and anatomic pathology and has been with IDEXX BioAnalytics since May 2021. Jennifer explains the roles of clinical and anatomic pathologists in veterinary medicine. Clinical pathologists evaluate laboratory data to diagnose illnesses in animals, while anatomic pathologists analyze whole tissues to determine causes of disease or death, particularly in research settings. She discusses her career journey, starting with her passion for clinical pathology during veterinary school, practicing as a veterinarian, and eventually pursuing residencies in clinical and anatomic pathology. Jennifer highlights her transition into preclinical research, where she now focuses on laboratory animal pathology, contributing to the development of new drugs and treatments. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of understanding the research goals of her clients to provide accurate and meaningful pathology insights. She also shares her personal experience with cancer, which has deepened her appreciation for the impact of animal research on human health. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the ethical considerations of animal research, the extensive variety of species she works with, and the significance of medicine to human and animal health. Jennifer also touches on the future of veterinary pathology, including the integration of AI and advanced molecular techniques. The episode concludes with Jennifer's reflections on her goals for the future, her commitment to fostering a positive work environment, and her advice for aspiring veterinary pathologists.