Changes

'''Speaking of Research''' (SR). According to its website, SR describes itself as "Speaking of Research is an international advocacy group that provides accurate information about the importance of animal research in medical and veterinary science." Research is generally described as "life saving." <ref>Speaking of Research, [http://speakingofresearch.com/about/ About], organizational website, accessed June 13, 2016.</ref> SR has described its role as including "grassroots activities" on campuses are aimed at "generating student and faculty support" for [[animal testing]].

Tom Holder SR has stated that it is the listed as "Foundernow entirely volunteer-based," of SR and was the gets its "Press Officerfunding from small donations" for Pro-Test (UK). He lives in the UKof supporters.<ref> Speaking of Research, [https://speakingofresearch.com/about/founder-biography/ Founder Biography], organizational website, accessed June 13, 2016.#Funding</ref> ==Overview== Tom Holder graduated from Oxford University in 2007 with a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. In January of 2006, he became the Press Officer of Pro-Test, giving interviews to the [[BBC]], Sky and [[Fox News]]. During 2007, Mr. Holder took over the communications and internal operations in addition to his role as press officer.  In March of 2008, he moved to the United States to found SR and "take on animal rights groups." According to its website, SR's "grassroots activities" on campuses are aimed at "generating student and faculty support" for [[animal testing]].  In October of 2008, he returned to the UK.

===ProTom Holder is the listed as "Founder" of SR.<ref>Speaking of Research, [https://speakingofresearch.com/about/founder-Test===According to its biography/ Founder Biography], organizational website, Pro-Test was formed in January of 2006 by 16-year old Laurie Pycroftaccessed June 13, who was "frustrated with the way that those who opposed vivisection were dominating the public debate on animal research2016." </ref>

According to Pro-Test, they were "funded entirely by donations by private individuals on Holder graduated from Oxford University in 2007 with a no-strings-attached basis".<ref>Pro-Test, [http://www.pro-test.org.uk/about.php About Us]degree in Politics, organizational website 2006Philosophy and Economics.</ref>

Laurie Pycroft was quickly elevated to In January 2006, he became the teenage mascot and moral compass Press Officer of the proPro-vivisection campaign.<ref> R. Allen Bogle [http://primateresearch.blogspot.com/2009/09/pro-test.html Test, a position he held for approximately six years, until 2011 when Pro-Test]ended operations. In 2007, Primate Freedom, September 2009Holder took over the communications and internal operations in addition to his role as press officer.</ref>

According In March of 2008, he moved to an April of 2006 article the United States for six months and his role was to "take on animal rights groups." That work in the U.S. was funded by Allan Cowell Americans for Medical Progress and Pro-Test. During "World Week for Animals in Laboratories" in the 2008, Holder traveled to West Coast universities including [[UCLA]], [[University of California, Berkeley]], Oregon Health & Sciences University ([[New York TimesONPRC]]) and the University of Washington. <ref> Richard Monastersky, [http://chronicle.com/free/v54/i32/32a00102.htm Chronicle: Protesters Fail to Slow Animal Research], Chronicle of Higher Education, April 2008.</ref><ref name="cowell"> Allan Cowell [http://www.nytimesspeakingofresearch.com/20062008/04/0128/worldspeaking-to-the-west-coast-a-review/europe/01pycroft.html?ex=1301547600&en=474ca73512b83e31&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss Speaking to the West Coast: A GeekReview], SureSpeaking of Research, but No Patsy When April 2008.</ref> World Week for Animals in Laboratories is a national week of protests and media events focusing on animal testing and the treatment of laboratory animals. It's About Researchis held around the week of April 24th. <ref> [http://www.wwail.org/ World Week for Animals in Laboratories], ''The New York Times''In Defense of Animals, April 1accessed February 2009.</ref>, <ref> [http://www.all-creatures.org/wlalw/ World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week], 2006Stop Animal Exploitation NOW! accessed February 2009.</ref>

<blockquote>He was just one more 16-year-old, drawn Holder has given interviews to the music of Placebo, Blur and Travis, and when, by his own account, he spent nocturnal hours on the Internet — a high-school dropout living in his parents' suburban semidetached home in Swindon[[BBC]], near Oxford, roaming the Web Sky and posting his ruminations on his blog[[Fox News]].</blockquote>

All of this was before he "burst forth onto He has been a regular contributor to the barricades", becoming groups' blog and travels around the "youngest world to give talks on SR issues. He worked on a project funded by Pro-test and most closely scrutinized campaigner in Britainthe [[Americans for Medical Progress]] (AMP), see more below on this funder.<ref>[http://speakingofresearch.com/about/founder-biography/ " against a Founder Biography"militant animal rights movement that wants to block the building ], Speaking of new animal testing facilitiesResearch, accessed February 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.amprogress.org/MichaelHayreFellowship Micheal D." CowellHare Fellowship in Public Outreach], who does not question the 16 year old Laurie's credentials or his meteoric ascension to junior spokesperson [[Americans for biomedical research adds that:Medical Progress]], accessed February 2010.</ref name="cowell"/>

While Pro-Test UK is no longer active, as of 2011, SR is said to have "played an instrumental role in the formation of Pro-Test groups around the world."<blockquoteref>The transition has been rapid and perilousSpeaking of Research, [https://speakingofresearch. Praised com/pro-test/ Pro-Test - Standing up for his courageAnimal Research], Mr. Pycroft — along with a slightly older group of Oxford University undergraduates — has tilted against what he calls 'animal rights terrorists'... talk among his contemporaries turned to a possible profile of him in Blissorganizational website, a magazine aimed at teenage girlsaccessed June 13, there was a hint of something that a 16-year-old — or even an older person — might call cool in this abrupt rise to celebrity2016.</blockquoteref>

There are Pro-Test movements in California (Pro-Test for Science)<ref> Speaking of Research, [https://speakingofresearch.com/get-involved/ucla-pro-test/ Pro-Test for Science], organizational website, accessed June 13, 2016.<blockquote/ref>It's quite flattering, really"Germany<ref> Speaking of Research, Mr[https://speakingofresearch. Pycroft said as an anonymous passercom/2015/06/04/pro-test-deutschland-launched/ Pro-by stopped him to shake his hand Test Deutschland: Standing up for science in Germany!], organizational website, June 4, 2015.</ref> and congratulate himItaly. "I have always believed that humans should ethically and morally come above animals as far as science is concerned<ref> Speaking of Research, [https://speakingofresearch. I believe that if a human can be saved by animal researchcom/pro-test/pro-test-italia/ Pro-Test Italia], organizational website, accessed June 13, all the evidence I have seen points to it being extremely useful2016.</blockquoteref>

While ==Controversies involving Pro-Test UK is no longer active, Speaking of Research says to have "played an instrumental role in the formation of Pro-Test groups around the world."<ref> Speaking of Research, [https://speakingofresearch.com/pro-test/ Pro-Test - Standing up for Animal Research], organizational website, accessed June 13, 2016.</ref> there are Pro-Test movements in California (Pro-Test for Science)<ref> Speaking of Research, [https://speakingofresearch.com/get-involved/ucla-pro-test/ Pro-Test for Science], organizational website, accessed June 13, 2016.</ref>, Germany<ref> Speaking of Research, [https://speakingofresearch.com/2015/06/04/pro-test-deutschland-launched/ Pro-Test Deutschland: Standing up for science in Germany!], organizational website, June 4, 2015.</ref> =====Labs at Cambridge and Italy.<ref> Speaking of Research, [https://speakingofresearch.com/pro-test/pro-test-italia/ Pro-Test Italia], organizational website, accessed June 13, 2016.</ref>Oxford===

====Pro-Test has publicly stated opposition to SPEAK====, a grassroots animal rights group. SPEAK held protests opposing the construction of animal labs at both Cambridge University and Oxford University. See SPEAK's website [http://speakcampaigns.org/about-speak/ here].

Pro-Test has publicly stated opposition to SPEAK, a grassroots animal rights group. SPEAK held protests opposing the construction of animal labs at both Cambridge University and Oxford University. See SPEAK's website [http://speakcampaigns.org/about-speak/ here]. According to Pro-Test:<ref> Pro Test, [http://www.pro-test.org.uk/about.php About Us], Pro-test, 2006.</ref>

===Americans for Medical ProgressPrimate Experiments at Cambridge and Oxford==={{#ev:youtube|Sgkgwfahfiw|300|right|BUAV investigation of Cambridge University. - 2000-2001}}

AMP's board of directors consists of senior executives and other representatives employed by the [[pharmaceutical]] and vivisection industries. Board members represent multinational, billion dollar corporations as well as universities and institutions receiving government grants for vivisection. As of June, 2016 they include:<ref> Americans for Medical Progress, [https://www.amprogress.org/amp_board AMP Board of Directors], organizational website, accessed June 13, 2016.</ref>*[[Charles River]]*[[Novartis]]*[[Bristol-Myers Squibb]]*Ethicon Inc.*[[AbbVie]]*[[GlaxoSmithKline]]*[[Pfizer]]*[[Covance]]*[[KGBTexas Communications]] As of September 3, 2011 the Board of Directors included:<ref> Americans for Medical Progress, [https://web.archive.org/web/20110903233018/http://www.amprogress.org//amp_board AMP Board of Directors], organizational website, June 3, 2011.</ref>*[[Charles River]] *[[Merck]]*[[Pfizer]]*[[AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals]]*[[Abbott Laboratories]]*[[GlaxoSmithKline]]*[[Sanofi-Aventis]]*[[Cedars-Sinai]]*Tulane National Primate Research Center*Harvard Medical School*Oregon Health & Science University Charles River Laboratories is the world's largest supplier of laboratory animals.<ref> Gina Chon and Anupreeta Das, [ http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704447604576007921979103968 Charles River Labs Pushed to Sell Itself], ''Wall Street Journal'', December 9, 2010.</ref> It has been described as the "General Motors of the laboratory animal industry." <ref> C. Roland Christensen, ''Business Policy: Text and Cases'', January 1982 p. 54, ISBN 9780256014518.</ref> Board members also represent universities SPEAK and institutions receiving government grants for vivisection. Many corporations and institutions on AMP's board others have amassed a history of gross expressed many concerns about animal welfare violations in the United States and Europe and been the focus of animal, health, consumer testing at Cambridge and [[human rights]] advocatesOxford.  Three of the universities represented by AMP board members in 2011 Here are listed on a previous version some examples of the [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals]]'s (PETA) list of [[ten worst laboratories]]<ref> People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, [https://web.archive.org/web/20060823201017/httpconcerns that have been raised://www.stopanimaltests.com/f-worstlabs.asp PETA’s ‘10 Worst Laboratories’ List], organizational website, August 23, 2006.</ref> according to worst violations of the Animal Welfare Act;<ref>[http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm Animal Welfare Act and Regulations], [[U.S. Department of Agriculture]], November 2010.</ref> largest numbers of animals killed; most painful and invasive experiments and least willing to make improvements. See also [[Americans for Medical Progress]]. ==Primate Experiments=={{#ev:youtube|Sgkgwfahfiw|300|right|BUAV investigation of Cambridge University. - 2000-2001}}

''A role for the macaque anterior cingulate gyrus in social valuation.,'', Science, 2006; 313:1310-1312.</ref>

In one experiment, "scientists" from Oxford, Cambridge , and two other universities conducted a long-term study of brain behavior in two male macaque monkeys. Both monkeys underwent brain surgery to implant electrodes to record brain activity. The implant was held in place by stainless steel screws, a head bolt and dental cement. The monkeys were seated in a sound-proof room and locked into "primate chairs," which restrict body movement. The "task" of the restrained monkey was to stare at streams of pictures until he saw a fish. Experimental brain and eye recordings were computer controlled. An "incorrect stare" or "no response" from the monkeys resulted in the withholding of a juice reward. The monkeys underwent 67 experimental sessions. It is not known what became of them after this ordeal. <ref> Everling S, . Tinsley CJ, Gaffan D, Duncan J. ''Selective representation of task-relevant objects and locations in the monkey prefrontal cortex.'', ''European Journal of Neuroscience'', 2006; 23:2197-2214.</ref>

It is not clear how such experiments promote "the welfare of mankind." (For more information on Oxford primate research, see also ''Painful and Pointless.'')<ref>[http://speakcampaigns.org/sitepages.php?a=7 Painful and Pointless], Speakcampaigns.org, accessed February 2010.</ref>(For descriptions of [[UCLA]] primate and other animal research, see also [[UCLA]]. For general information on primate research, see also [[NPRC]].)

For descriptions of [[UCLA]] primate ===Animal Cruelty and other animal research, see also [[UCLA]]. For general information on primate research, see also [[NPRC]].Welfare Violations===

==World Week for Animals in Laboratories== '''World Week for Animals in Laboratories''' is a national week Many of protests and media events focusing on animal testing and the treatment of laboratory animals. It is held around institutions visited by Holder during his work in the week of April 24thU. <ref> [http://wwwS.wwail.org/ World Week for Animals in Laboratories], In Defense of Animals, accessed February 2009.</ref>, <ref> [http://www.allPro-creatures.org/wlalw/ World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week], Stop Animal Exploitation NOW! accessed February 2009.</ref> During this week in 2008, Mr. Holder traveled to West Coast universities including [[UCLA]], [[University of California, Berkeley]], Oregon Health & Sciences University ([[ONPRC]]) and the University of Washington. <ref> Richard Monastersky, [http://chronicle.com/free/v54/i32/32a00102.htm Chronicle: Protesters Fail to Slow Animal Research], Chronicle of Higher Education, April 2008.</ref><ref> [http://speakingofresearch.com/2008/04/28/speaking-to-the-west-coast-a-review/ Speaking to the West Coast: A Review], Speaking of Research, April 2008.</ref> ===Animal Cruelty & Welfare Violations=== Many of the institutions visited by Tom Holder Test have long histories of gross animal welfare violations, abuse and neglect of primates and other animals.<ref> Carol L. Glasser, [http://progressforscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/P4S_UCAnimalWelfareViolations_2010-2013.pdf A Pattern of Abuse: Animal welfare violations in University of California laboratories, August 2010- June 2013], ''Progress for Science'', August, 2013.</ref><ref> Progress for Science, [http://progressforscience.com/tag/animal-rights-2/page/2/ Animal Rights], ''Progress for Science'', June 17, 2014.</ref><ref> People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, [https://web.archive.org/web/20060823201017/http://www.stopanimaltests.com/f-worstlabs.asp PETA’s ‘10 Worst Laboratories’ List], organizational website, August 23, 2006.</ref><ref> Michelle Pitcher, [http://www.dailycal.org/2014/02/19/usda-fines-uc-berkeley-2011-lab-animal-deaths/ US Department of Agriculture fines UC Berkeley for 2011 lab animal deaths], ''The Daily Californian'', February 20, 2014.</ref><ref> Tracey Vedder, [http://komonews.com/archive/uw-investigated-for-unauthorized-monkey-surgeries UW investigated for unauthorized monkey surgeries], ''Komo News'', February 26, 2008.</ref> Yet, according to Holder, "There is round-the-clock treatment, there are people, veterinarians in research labs whose only job is to make sure that animals are treated well and are essentially happy in their lives.” <ref> R. Allen Bogle [http://primateresearch.blogspot.com/2009/09/pro-test.html Pro-Test], Primate Freedom, September 2009.</ref>

According to SR in January 2010:<ref> Speaking of Research, [http://speakingofresearch.com/facts/animal-welfare-the-3rs/ Animal Welfare and the 3Rs], Speaking of Research, accessed January 2010.</ref><ref> Speaking of Research, [http://speakingofresearch.com/extremism-undone/ AR Undone], Speaking of Research, accessed January 2010.</ref>

Over More than 90% of the animals used in experimentation are excluded from the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), the only federal law which over sees oversees animal testing. Rats, mice, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish are expressly eliminated from all safeguards. Species not covered under the AWA do not even have to be reported. <ref> [http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_welfare/content/printable_version/faq_awusda.pdf The Animal Care Program and the USDA's Authority Under the AWA: Q & A], [[U.S. Department of Agriculture]], APHIS Fact Sheet, July 2005, page 2.</ref>  According to various animal rights groups, the AWA places no real restrictions on animal testing, animals are routinely subjected to addictive drugs, electric shock, food and water deprivation, isolation, severe confinement, caustic chemicals, burning, blinding, chemical and biological weapons, radiation, etc. A researcher has only to declare that a procedure is necessary for it to be allowed. <ref> [http://all-creatures.org/saen/fact-anex-2005.html Animal Experimentation in the United States], Stop Animal Exploitation Now! April 2005.</ref> See also [[animal testing]], section 2.

== SR/Pro-Test has deflected and redirected scrutiny from what animal rights groups such as PETA have dubbed some of the world's more notorious and controversial laboratories and drug companies, as well as animal research in general and from [[civil liberties]] issues and violence against activists. See also [[Animal activists who have been injured or killed]].Funding ==

See also Previously, SR operated with money donated by its "UK sister-group," Pro-Test, "who received their money from small private donations by scientists and other supporters. Travel costs and associated expenses of giving talks around the US and beyond have been generously met by the relevant host organizations," which include universities engaged in animal research.<ref>Speaking of Research, [[Animal Testing|animal testing]http://speakingofresearch.com/about/ About], section 6Speaking of Research, accessed January 2011.</ref>

== Funding =Past Funder of Pro-Test: Americans for Medical Progress===

According to its websiteAMP's board of directors consists of senior executives and other representatives employed by the [[pharmaceutical]] and vivisection industries. Board members represent multinational, billion dollar corporations as well as universities and institutions receiving government grants for vivisection. As of June, 2016 they include:<ref> Americans for Medical Progress, "Speaking [https://www.amprogress.org/amp_board AMP Board of Research exists on a very small budgetDirectors]," all costs are associated with the organizational website and total about $150, accessed June 13, 2016.</yearref>*[[Charles River]]*[[Novartis]]*[[Bristol-Myers Squibb]]*Ethicon Inc. *[[AbbVie]]*[[GlaxoSmithKline]]*[[Pfizer]]*[[Covance]]*[[KGBTexas Communications]]

PreviouslyAs of September 3, SR operated with money donated by their "UK sister-group," Pro-Test, "who received their money from small private donations by scientists and other supporters. Travel costs and associated expenses 2011 the Board of giving talks around the US and beyond have been generously met by the relevant host organizations."Directors included:<ref> Speaking of ResearchAmericans for Medical Progress, [https://web.archive.org/web/20110903233018/http://speakingofresearchwww.amprogress.comorg/about/ Aboutamp_board AMP Board of Directors], Speaking of Researchorganizational website, June 3, accessed January 2011.</ref> *[[Charles River]] *[[Merck]]*[[Pfizer]]*[[AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals]]*[[Abbott Laboratories]]*[[GlaxoSmithKline]]*[[Sanofi-Aventis]]*[[Cedars-Sinai]]*Tulane National Primate Research Center*Harvard Medical School*Oregon Health & Science University

Charles River Laboratories is the world's largest supplier of laboratory animals.<ref> Gina Chon and Anupreeta Das, [ http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704447604576007921979103968 Charles River Labs Pushed to Sell Itself], ''Wall Street Journal'', December 9, 2010.</ref> It has been described itself as a the "General Motors of the laboratory animal industry."campus oriented<ref> C. Roland Christensen, grass roots" student movement but "host organizations" are paying or reimbursing Speaking of Research/Pro-Test for speaking engagements ''Business Policy: Text and conducting pro-vivisection rallies on their campusesCases'', January 1982 p. 54, ISBN 9780256014518. Several committee </ref> Board members are also university faculty membersrepresent universities and institutions receiving government grants for vivisection. See also Many corporations and institutions on AMP's board have amassed a history of gross animal welfare violations in the United States and Europe and been the focus of animal, health, consumer and [[Astroturf|astroturfhuman rights]]. Animal researchers sometimes publish in hundreds of journals, much to their professional and financial successadvocates.

There is also Three of the universities represented by AMP board members in 2011 are listed on a huge and profitable industry built which includes animal breeders, suppliers previous version of cages and equipment designed specifically the [[People for animal testing. the Ethical Treatment of Animals]]'s (PETA) list of [[ten worst laboratories]]<ref> People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, [https://web.archive.org/web/20060823201017/http://www.curediseasestopanimaltests.com/oppositionf-worstlabs.html Opposition from Vested Interest Groupsasp PETA’s ‘10 Worst Laboratories’ List], Americans for Medical Advancementorganizational website, August 23, 20082006.</ref> A 2001 audit for 30 facilities revealed that approximately 56% received over 100 million per year from according to worst violations of the [[National Institutes of Health]] (NIH) for animal research. Animal Welfare Act;<ref>Micheal A. Budkie [http://www.all-creaturesnal.usda.orggov/awic/wlalwlegislat/report-anexp-auditusdaleg1.html The htm Animal Experimentation Scandal: An Audit Welfare Act and Regulations], [[U.S. Department of the NIH: Funding of Animal Experimentation: Audit FindingsAgriculture]], SAEN, 2001November 2010.</ref> largest numbers of animals killed; most painful and invasive experiments and least willing to make improvements. See also [[NIHAmericans for Medical Progress]].

==SR Committee Members==