Join a global organisation promoting openness and support for animal research
The European Animal Research Association (EARA) is a not-for-profit association with over 230 member organisations in 48 countries worldwide, working to inform and engage the public, the media and policymakers on the continued need for, and benefits of, the humane use of animals in biomedical, veterinary, environmental and other areas of scientific research.
With offices in London, Brussels and Lisbon, EARA connects members to policy developments, strengthens sector-wide openness, and provides practical communications support when it matters most.
What membership gives you
EARA membership is designed to help organisations engage with stakeholders, inform the public and build capability to communicate openly and effectively about animal research.
1) Engage with policy and stakeholders
- EU recognition and visibility: EARA is recognised by the European Commission as a key stakeholder representing public and private biomedical research and life sciences organisations, including engagement with the Commission on Directive 2010/63/EU and other files impacting on the use of animal in research.
- Regulatory and strategic insight: members benefit from EARA’s work engaging with regulators and strengthening scientific coordination in response to proposals impacting the use of animal models.
- Sector-level coordination: EARA supports collective responses to cross-border challenges affecting research, including issues linked to the movement and supply of research animals.
2) Improve public understanding through transparency
- EARA supports a culture of openness about animal research and helps members communicate why animals are used, what safeguards exist, and how the 3Rs are applied in practice.
- EARA has supported the development of national transparency agreement networks across multiple countries, eg.contributing to a wider cultural shift towards public-facing transparency.
3) Practical support for communications and preparedness
- Expert communications advice to strengthen internal and external messaging on animal research.
- On-call support during communications challenges, including high-scrutiny situations.
- Access to the EARA Communications Handbook (updated in 2025), free for members.
- Training benefits, including free and reduced-fee access to EARA media training workshops (plus discounted access to other opportunities where applicable).
4) Stay informed and connected
Members receive:
- the weekly EARA News Digest (Monday),
- the EARA Policy Briefing (Thursday),
- the Member Newsletter (quarterly),
- various confidential briefings.
Who can become a member?
Membership is open to organisations (not individuals) with a direct interest in scientific research involving animals, including organisations that:
- use or supply animals for education or research,
- benefit from these activities, or
- collaborate with such organisations along the supply chain.
This includes (but is not limited to):
- research institutions (public, academic, foundations, not-for-profit, private),
- industry (including pharmaceutical/chemical organisations, contract research organisations, breeders/suppliers, and relevant equipment providers),
- professional scientific associations and learned societies,
- patient groups and medical research charities,
- transport providers.
Membership fees
EARA membership is funded primarily through member contributions. Fees vary by organisational status and size, with a defined minimum annual fee by category.
Join EARA
If your organisation wants to strengthen openness, preparedness and policy engagement around animal research, we would be glad to discuss membership. Fill the form and we will get in touch soon.
EARA membership is open to organisations with a direct interest in scientific research involving animals and supports members with policy engagement, communications capacity-building, network connections and regular intelligence on developments across Europe and beyond.