Research Forward Podcast

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Bella Lear, the Chief Executive of Understanding Animal Research Oceania. Bella discusses her extensive career in science communication, which began in her teenage years with the British Science Association. She shares how her passion for science and communication led her to work on various projects, including the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK. This initiative aimed to enhance transparency and public engagement in animal research, making the public active participants in the conversation about the ethical use of animals in scientific studies.
Bella explains the challenges and successes of implementing the Concordat, emphasizing the importance of building trust and providing accurate information to the public. She highlights the differences and similarities between the UK and Australian contexts, noting that while the social and media landscapes may differ, the fundamental issues and resistance to openness are quite similar. Bella also discusses her role in training scientists and other stakeholders to communicate effectively about controversial topics, ensuring that they can engage with diverse audiences and address misinformation.
Looking ahead, Bella expresses her aspirations for the future of science communication, particularly in the field of animal research. She hopes to see Australia become a leading force in biological and medical sciences, with a strong emphasis on transparency and public engagement. Bella's work continues to focus on fostering inclusive dialogues and promoting a better understanding of the vital role that animal research plays in scientific advancement.

In this episode, Dr. Ana B. Marín-Arroyo, a researcher in human evolution, delves into her work on the resilience of past human groups, focusing on their subsistence strategies and climatic conditions in Eurasia from 200,000 to 3,000 years ago.
Dr. Marín-Arroyo, a Professor of Prehistory, at the University of Cantabria, has worked at various institutions, including the University of Cambridge. Her research group, EvoAdapta, focuses on human evolution and adaptation through time. Her research examines how climate changes and the arrival of Homo sapiens affected Neanderthals. Her European Research Council-funded project, Subsilience aims to uncover the climatic and environmental conditions that influenced the eventual decline of Neanderthals.
The episode explores the diet and lifestyle of late Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens, highlighting their adaptability and resilience. Dr Marín-Arroyo discusses the importance of studying animal bones to understand past human diets and environmental conditions. She shares insights from her research, including the discovery of the "Red Lady" burial in Cantabria (northern Spain), which provided valuable information about our ancestors' diet, health, and genetic makeup 18,000 years ago.
The discussion emphasizes the role of climate change in human evolution and how past climatic conditions can inform our understanding of current and future climate challenges. Dr Marín-Arroyo highlights the importance of sharing scientific knowledge with the public and engaging in outreach activities to make research accessible and relevant.
The episode provides a comprehensive look at Dr Marín-Arroyo's work and its implications for unravelling the past and understanding our future as human beings.

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.

In this episode, Dr. Patxi Sarasola shares his extensive experience in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. He discusses his educational background, which includes a veterinary degree from Spain and a PhD in equine veterinary pharmacology from Scotland. Initially aiming to become an equine vet, Patxi transitioned into clinical research, working for Pfizer in England.
In 2000, Patxi and his wife Janice founded Ondax Scientific, a clinical research organization (CRO) in San Sebastian, Spain. Ondax specializes in clinical trials for the animal health industry, focusing on the registration of new molecules and vaccines. Patxi explains the role of CROs in conducting both preclinical and clinical studies, emphasizing the importance of regulatory approval and animal welfare.
Patxi discusses the challenges of starting and running a CRO, including the steep learning curve and the need to manage various aspects of the business. He highlights the core values of Ondax, such as attention to detail, flexibility, and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
The conversation also covers the impact of corporate veterinary practices on clinical trials, the future trends in veterinary clinical trials, and the potential role of AI in improving the objectivity and efficiency of these studies. Patxi emphasizes the importance of maintaining high-quality standards and adapting to market trends, particularly the growing focus on companion animals.
Patxi concludes by sharing his plans for the future, including taking a break after his tenure at Argenta Animal Health and considering a return to the animal health space as a consultant.

The Research Forward Podcast is dedicated to exploring the world of research and innovation. Hosted by David Mayo, each episode features conversations with individuals making significant contributions in various fields, including colleagues, customers, researchers, and industry leaders associated with IDEXX BioAnalytics.
The podcast aims to highlight our mission to advance research and to improve the health of pets, people, and livestock globally. Guests on the podcast range from PhD students to professors and industry leaders, providing diverse perspectives on science, entrepreneurship, and the real-world applications of their work. 
We invite you to join us as we uncover the stories behind research breakthroughs and explore their transformative effects on our lives.

In this episode, Dr. Robert Livingston shares his journey from being a rural dairy cattle veterinarian to his current role in diagnostics and infectious diseases at IDEXX BioAnalytics. He discusses his career path, which includes working with research monkeys during veterinary school, pursuing a PhD, and his passion for science and diagnostics.
Dr. Livingston explains the importance of animal health monitoring in research, focusing on detecting pathogens that can negatively impact the validity of research data. He highlights the evolution of diagnostic techniques, including the use of PCR testing and environmental health monitoring, which have improved the accuracy of detecting infectious agents without using sentinel animals.
He also discusses the role of veterinarians in both caring for research animals and conducting research themselves. Dr. Livingston emphasizes the significance of mentors in his career and the support he received from his family and community.
The conversation touches on the advancements in animal health monitoring, the impact of AI in diagnostics, and the importance of reducing the use of animals in research while ensuring accurate and reliable data.