Elisabeth Ormandy, PhD #
- Advocate for replacing animals in research, testing, and teaching
- Sessional Lecturer at the University of British Columbia
- Expert in animal welfare, ethics, and public engagement
- Author of Animal Experimentation: Working Towards a Paradigm Change (2019)
- Co-founder of the Animals in Science Policy Institute (AiSPI)
- Recognized for leadership in promoting ethical science and non-animal alternatives
Credit: awp.landfood.ubc.ca
Introduction #
Dr. Elisabeth Ormandy, PhD, is a pioneering advocate for ethical science and animal welfare, specializing in the replacement of animals in research, testing, and teaching. As the Co-founder and Executive Director of the former Animals in Science Policy Institute (AiSPI), she led efforts to promote non-animal alternatives and foster a culture of ethical science. Her work bridges academic research, public policy, and advocacy, with a focus on the Three Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) and the ethical implications of animal use in science.
Professional Background and Achievements #
Dr. Ormandy earned her PhD in Animal Welfare and Ethics from the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she explored the ethical dimensions of using animals in research, teaching, and testing. She has held roles as an Independent Research Consultant and Sessional Lecturer at UBC, and previously worked with the BC SPCA and Virginia Tech as a consultant.
She was the Executive Director of the former Animals in Science Policy Institute (AiSPI), a registered charity based in Vancouver, BC. AiSPI’s mission was to build an ethical culture of science that respects animal life by promoting the reduction and replacement of animals in research, testing, and teaching. Under her leadership, AiSPI became a leading voice in Canada for evidence-based discussion on animal use in science and the adoption of non-animal alternatives.
Research Areas and Projects #
Dr. Ormandy’s research focuses on the ethics of animal use in science, public attitudes toward animal research, and the development and implementation of non-animal alternatives. Her work includes:
- Public engagement and transparency in animal research, including international expert forums on openness and accountability.
- Stakeholder views on genetically-engineered animals in biomedical science, examining ethical, governance, and public opinion dimensions.
- Education and advocacy for replacing animal dissection in classrooms, with a focus on BC secondary schools and the promotion of humane science education.
- Policy development for the ethical use of animals in science, including the promotion of the - Three Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) and the adoption of New Approach Methodologies (NAM).
Major Publications #
| Title | Journal | Year | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protecting Canada’s Lab Animals: The Need for Legislation | Animals (Basel) | 2022 | link |
| Book Rewiew: Animal Experimentation: Working Towards a Paradigm Change | Routledge | 2019 | link |
| Animal Research, Accountability, Openness and Public Engagement: Report from an International Expert Forum | Animals (MDPI) | 2019 | link |
| Stakeholder Views on the Creation and Use of Genetically-Engineered Animals in Research | Altern Lab Anim. | 2016 | link |
| Public Attitudes toward Animal Research: A Review | Animals (MDPI) | 2014 | Link |
| Worldwide Trends in the Use of Animals in Research: The Contribution of Genetically-modified Animal Models | Altern Lab Anim. | 2009 | Link |
Awards and Recognitions #
- Lush Prize (as part of AiSPI’s advocacy for non-animal testing methods)
- Recognition for leadership in humane science education and animal welfare policy in Canada
Media and Public Engagement #
Dr. Elisabeth Ormandy shares her personal journey from neuroscientist to animal welfare and ethics expert over a decade. She explains why she is committed to advancing science without the use of animals, highlighting the scientific and ethical reasons for replacing animals in research, testing, and teaching. The talk was recorded at a BC Humanist Association meeting in Vancouver.
In this TEDxSFU talk, Dr. Elisabeth Ormandy advocates for a future of science that moves beyond traditional animal models. She argues that animal testing is not only ethically problematic but also scientifically limited, and champions the adoption of innovative, human-relevant research methods for more effective and ethical science.
Dr. Elisabeth Ormandy discusses the ethical and practical reasons to replace animal use in schools and labs with viable, humane alternatives. She emphasizes the benefits of modern, animal-free methods for education and research, and highlights the ultimate goal of replacing animals in science through policy change, education, and the adoption of innovative, non-animal approaches.
This video is a UBC panel discussion featuring Elisabeth Ormandy (alongside Laura Janara and Darren Chang) on the governance of nonhuman animals in university research. The discussion critically examines the benefits, costs, and ethical implications of using animals in science, and explores how to improve governance, empower animals, and move toward more humane and effective research practices.
Dr. Ormandy’s Humane Science Lesson Plans #
These alternatives to animal dissection materials were produced by Dr. Ormandy and donated to the BCSPCA, which circulated them to various organizations. They are suitable for students from K-12. The lessons are in pdf format for download.
Elementary School (Grades K-6) #
Frog Anatomy Lesson Plan (Grades K-6)
Introduces frog anatomy through ethical, non-animal methods, using diagrams and interactive activities. Designed to replace traditional dissection while teaching foundational biological concepts. Suitable for young learners with age-appropriate explanations.
Frog Anatomy Student Workbook
Companion workbook featuring labeling exercises, coloring pages, and puzzles to reinforce anatomical knowledge. Encourages hands-on learning without the use of animals. Aligns with the lesson plan for grades K-6.
Rat Anatomy Unit Plan (Grades 5-6)
Covers rat anatomy using diagrams, models, and virtual resources as ethical alternatives to dissection. Explores skeletal, muscular, and organ systems in an age-appropriate manner. Promotes humane science education for upper elementary students.
Rat Anatomy Student Workbook
Interactive workbook with activities, puzzles, and diagrams to reinforce rat anatomy concepts. Supports the unit plan with hands-on, non-animal learning. Designed for grades 5-6.
High School (Grade 12) #
Pig Anatomy Lesson Plan (Grade 12)
Advanced curriculum on pig anatomy using non-animal teaching methods, including detailed diagrams and virtual models. Covers complex anatomical systems for high school biology. Provides an ethical alternative to pig dissection.
Pig Anatomy Student Workbook
Detailed workbook with labeling exercises, analysis activities, and diagrams to reinforce pig anatomy. Supports the lesson plan with hands-on, ethical learning. Designed for grade 12 students.
Cardiovascular System Lesson Plan (Grade 12)
Explores human cardiovascular anatomy and physiology using ethical, non-animal methods. Covers heart structure, blood flow, and circulatory functions. Designed for high school biology courses.
Cardiovascular System Student Workbook
Companion workbook with diagrams, labeling exercises, and critical thinking questions. Reinforces cardiovascular concepts through active, non-animal learning. Aligns with the grade 12 lesson plan.
Digestive System Lesson Plan (Grade 12)
Teaches human digestive anatomy and physiology without animal use. Includes detailed diagrams of organs and digestive processes. Appropriate for advanced high school biology.
Digestive System Student Workbook
Interactive workbook with activities, case studies, and labeling exercises. Supports ethical learning of digestive system concepts. For grade 12 students.
Lymphatic and Immune System Lesson Plan (Grade 12)
Covers lymphatic and immune systems using diagrams, animations, and virtual models. Explores immune response and lymph node structure ethically. Designed for high school biology.
Lymphatic and Immune System Student Workbook
Worksheets and activities to reinforce lymphatic and immune system concepts. Includes labeling, matching, and analysis exercises. Companion to the grade 12 lesson plan.
Musculoskeletal System Lesson Plan (Grade 12)
Teaches bone and muscle anatomy through non-animal methods. Covers skeletal structure, muscle groups, and movement mechanics. Ethical alternative for high school anatomy.
Musculoskeletal System Student Workbook
Hands-on workbook with diagrams, labeling, and analysis of the musculoskeletal system. Reinforces lesson plan concepts through active learning. For grade 12 students.
Nervous System Lesson Plan (Grade 12)
Explores human nervous system anatomy and function without animal dissection. Uses diagrams, models, and case studies. Appropriate for high school biology courses.
Nervous System Student Workbook
Interactive exercises and activities for nervous system learning. Includes labeling, diagrams, and critical thinking questions. Supports the grade 12 lesson plan.
Reproductive System Lesson Plan (Grade 12)
Teaches human reproductive anatomy and physiology ethically. Uses diagrams, models, and age-appropriate discussions. Designed for high school biology.
Reproductive System Student Workbook
Worksheets and activities for reproductive system education. Includes labeling, matching, and analysis exercises. Companion to the grade 12 lesson plan.
Respiratory System Lesson Plan (Grade 12)
Covers human respiratory anatomy and function through non-animal methods. Includes lung structure, breathing mechanics, and gas exchange. For high school biology.
Respiratory System Student Workbook
Interactive workbook with diagrams, labeling, and exercises for respiratory system. Reinforces lesson plan concepts through hands-on learning. For grade 12 students.
Urinary System Lesson Plan (Grade 12)
Teaches urinary system anatomy and kidney function ethically. Uses diagrams, models, and virtual resources. Appropriate for high school biology.
Urinary System Student Workbook
Companion workbook with activities, labeling, and analysis for urinary system. Supports the lesson plan with non-animal learning methods. For grade 12 students.
Research Profiles #
References #
[1] Elisabeth Ormandy - ResearchGate Profile
[2] Animal Research, Accountability, Openness and Public Engagement: Report from an International Expert Forum - Sage Journals
[3] Stakeholder Views on the Creation and Use of Genetically-Engineered Animals in Research - ResearchGate
[4] Elisabeth Ormandy - Animals In Science Policy Institute - YouTube
[5] Protecting Canada’s Lab Animals: The Need for Legislation - ResearchGate
[6] Elisabeth Helen Ormandy - Semantic Scholar