[As posted in Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) News: August 7, 2025]
AR groups are increasingly attending scientific and regulatory conferences, presenting under neutral-sounding names and framing their messaging to align with agency and scientific priorities. While often appearing collaborative, their long-term goal remains the elimination of animal research.
The research community must be proactive both in recognizing these tactics and also constructively occupying the same spaces to protect biomedical progress and promote balanced, evidence-based dialogue. The following recommendations outline how institutions, organizations, and individuals can prepare and respond.
1. Track Participation and Influence
Conference organizers could consider maintaining a living record of conference attendees, abstracts, and institutional affiliations to monitor the presence and influence of AR groups, especially names that appear unfamiliar. Pay close attention to which panels or working groups these individuals join, and note any co-authorships or recurring collaborations that may signal deeper activist ties. AMP is happy to assist with these efforts if needed.
2. Educate Session Chairs, Panelists, Moderators, Etc.
Encourage conference leaders—including session chairs, program committees, moderators, abstract reviewers, etc.—to be aware of AR group strategies and affiliations. These individuals should understand that some groups presenting under scientific or consortium-style names may in fact be affiliated with AR groups. Conference organizers should carefully vet submitted content for activist framing and consider holding additional prep calls with session leaders if there are areas of concern or confusion. Increased awareness at the leadership level helps ensure that conference platforms are not inadvertently used to advance anti-research agendas.
3. Build Institutional Awareness
Make sure academic and industry researchers are aware of which groups are affiliated with PETA, PCRM, or similar organizations. Scientists should understand how their work could be misrepresented in anti-research media campaigns or legislative efforts. Institutions can also help staff and researchers prepare clear, factual, and diplomatic responses to challenges or criticisms raised by AR representatives in public forums such as poster sessions.
4. Occupy the Same Spaces... Authentically
The research community needs more voices in all sectors where science is happening and decisions are made. Institutions and organizations should support their scientists, IACUC professionals, and animal welfare experts in submitting abstracts, presenting data, and advocating for the continued use of animals at the same conferences these groups attend. Encourage the development of collaborative panels that emphasize integrative approaches—where animal models and NAMs are seen as complementary rather than in opposition—to counter the false "either/or" narrative.
5. Train for Engagement
Ensure conference attendees feel safe and prepared. Provide them with talking points and briefing materials to help them recognize subtle activist messaging and suggestions on how to confidently address misleading claims. Encourage attendees to document problematic interactions and report back. Training should equip researchers to handle public discourse professionally while protecting the integrity of their work and the broader research community.