As we all learned in 2020, getting ahead of the next major pandemic is a matter of global concern. For the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, or CEPI (cepi.net), it is their reason for existing. Joining me for this conversation are Valentina Bernasconi, Head of Laboratory Science for CEPI, and Marie-Eve Poupart, Lead Scientist In Charles River’s Immunology department. Together we discuss CEPI’s progress so far, how Charles River is contributing to the cause, and how we can plan for the unknown Disease X while simultaneously handling current outbreaks of deadly diseases like Ebola, Marburg, Nipah virus, Lassa Fever, and chikungunya.
What if we could predict how chemicals affect human lungs without using animals? In this episode of Sounds of Science, Mary McElroy, Head of Discovery Toxicology and Pharmacology at Charles River, joins us to explore a groundbreaking collaboration with MatTek Life Sciences. Together, they’re pioneering human-relevant, non-animal models that could revolutionize inhalation toxicology. From 3D lung tissues to computational dosimetry, discover how science is catching its breath and moving toward a safer, more ethical future.
Show Notes
For this episode I am joined by Megan and JC Leston, two parents who are fighting for their son Liam. The oldest of their five children, Liam was born with the rare Cri du Chat or 5p- syndrome. Through years of perseverance, they have created the Cri du Chat Research Foundation and started a movement to find a cure not only for Liam, but for all families affected by this genetic disease.
Listen now to hear their story, and find out more about their work and how you can help at www.criduchatresearch.org.
What if one decision could make or break your drug’s success? Join Charles River’s Sarah Gould as she unpacks the high-stakes, emotion-filled world of species selection—and why it’s about so much more than science. Discover how this critical choice shapes safety, speeds development, and drives innovation in today’s evolving research landscape.
Show Notes
Charles River scientist Nicole Hoekstra, herself a US Navy veteran, used her employer-supported sabbatical to help out local Oklahoma based nonprofit Inner Circle Mental Health, which focuses on aiding veterans and first responders who are struggling with their mental health. I am joined by Nicole and ICMH founder Kate Cooper to discuss what this service means to both of them, how we can support family who are reluctant to accept help, and how the COVID pandemic impacted the mental health of first responders.
Ryan Cox from Microbial Solutions joins us to discuss the curious creatures living at the edges of life – from microbes pulled from the MIR space station to antibiotic resistant bacteria festering in shark mouths. Meet these and many more on this episode!
When Dalila Sabaredzovic’s sons were diagnosed with an ultra-rare genetic condition, she faced more questions than answers. But through resilience, advocacy, and the power of collaboration, her family's story has become a beacon of hope in rare disease research. In this deeply moving episode of Sounds of Science, Dalila shares her journey from despair to discovery—and how a global village of scientists came together to pursue a personalized treatment that could change everything.
Show Notes
Chris Magee, Head of Policy and Media for the UK advocacy group Understanding Animal Research, and Naomi Charalambakis, Director of Science Policy & Communications at the US based advocacy group Americans for Medical Progress, joins me to discuss new directives from the US FDA and the EU regarding lab animal use. Join us to cover the realities of lab animal use today, as well as the history or public misinformation dating back before Charles Darwin!
In this episode of Sounds of Science, learn how the Retrogenix® platform is reshaping drug development by identifying off-target risks earlier, reducing animal use, and gaining traction with regulators—now as part of the FDA’s ISTAND pilot program. Guests Nick Brown and Mark Aspinall-O’Dea from Charles River Discovery Services share real-world insights on their role in advancing NAMs and supporting safer, faster therapeutic development.
Show Notes
How do researchers keep our dirt clean? How can earthworms, duckweed, birds and bees help us ensure environmental safety? Find out now by listening in with our experts from Charles River's Hungarian site - Szabolcs Gáty and David Esdaile.
For this exciting conversation, I am joined by NanoPalm CEO and co-founder Dr. Ali Alhasan and by Charles River Executive Director Ramin Baghirzade, who joins us to talk about Charles River’s incubator program for startups like NanoPalm. Alhasan and his co-founder, Dr. Samar Alsudir, began NanoPalm to help reach rare disease patients who could benefit from advanced gene therapies. NanoPalm is the first company to conduct a gene therapy clinical trial in Saudi Arabia, with plans for many more treatments in the works. Listen now to learn about the trial, Charles River’s incubator program, and about the current state of biotech startup in Saudi Arabia.
What if a mouse could help shape the future of cancer treatment? In this episode of Sounds of Science, host Mary Parker speaks with Julia Schüler, DVM, PhD, Research Director and Therapeutic Area Lead for Oncology at Charles River. Julia shares how patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models—often described as “avatars” of human tumors—are transforming preclinical oncology research. From preserving tumor heterogeneity to improving translational relevance, PDX models are accelerating the discovery of more effective, personalized therapies. Tune in as we explore how these advanced models are driving innovation across the drug development pipeline—from target discovery to clinical trial design.
Show Notes
Join me, Charles River’s Miriam Guest, and independent consultant Vanessa Figueroa as we tackle the role of a microbiologist in drug manufacturing. Who is keeping patients safe from contamination, and how are they making sure our life saving drugs are not contaminated? How is manufacturing like yoga? Find out by listening now!
What happens when cutting-edge science meets compassion? In this episode of Sounds of Science, host Mary Parker sits down with two pioneers reshaping the future of research: Elizabeth Nunamaker, Executive Director of Global Animal Welfare and Training at Charles River, and Dr. Megan LaFollette, Executive Director of the 3Rs Collaborative. From digital biomarkers to environmental health monitoring, they reveal how innovation and collaboration are redefining what’s possible in animal welfare — and raising the bar for ethical, high-quality research. Tune in to explore the tools, strategies, and bold ideas driving meaningful change across the scientific community.
Show Notes
Advancing Alternatives | Charles River
Evolving Animal Welfare: Science, Ethics, and Innovation | Sounds of Science
Can You Practice High-quality Science and 3Rs? | Eureka Blog
Animals in Research | Charles River
Research Models & Services | Charles River
Join Charles River experts Sandy Kimber, Charlotte Cumper, and Claire Richards from our Portishead site for a discussion on what makes some viruses more contagious than others, how viruses can trick your immune system, and how vaccines can affect viral spread.
When Luke Rosen's daughter was diagnosed with KIF1A—a rare, progressive neurological disorder—he didn't wait for answers. He and his wife built a community, launched a nonprofit, and became a driving force in rare disease research. In this episode, Luke shares how patient-led science accelerates treatments and reshapes what’s possible for families like his.
Show Notes
Sounds of Science - N=1 Episode
Charles River | Rare Disease
Charles River | Rare Disease for Drug Discovery
Charles River | ASO Screening Services
Personalized ASO Provides Improvement for a Girl with KAND< an Ultra-rare Disease
Are we on the brink of a major shift in research? In this episode of Sounds of Science, Charles River experts challenge traditional approaches, exploring cutting-edge innovations that enhance animal welfare while driving scientific breakthroughs.
From revolutionary non-animal testing methods to advanced behavioral management strategies, we uncover how ethical care leads to better data and faster drug discovery. Tune in to discover how science, compassion, and innovation are shaping the next era of drug development.
Show Notes
Alternative Methods Advancement Project
Did you know that the first attempt at a cancer vaccine was all the way back in the 1800s? I am joined by Charles River experts Louise Brackenbury, Dan Rocca, and Mike Templin to discuss the fascinating science behind therapeutic cancer vaccines.
Clarification: Coley’s Toxin is not a vaccine in the traditional sense, but a compound developed by William Coley in the 19th century as a treatment for cancer, and is considered a precursor to modern cancer immunotherapy.
Spheroids are three dimensional cell models that can mimic some organs, tumors, and other biological systems for drug testing. Like organoids and organs-on-a-chip, spheroids are breaking in to drug development as a promising alternative to animal models. I am joined by Madhu Lal Nag, MBS PhD from the 3D in vitro model company InSphero, to discuss the development and future potential of these tiny cellular machines.
The agrochemical field has long relied on animal models to evaluate the safety and efficacy of substances, but there’s a growing demand to adopt new alternative methods (NAMs) that can further the industry while reducing the need for animal testing. However, questions remain as to their long-term viability.
Join Robert Landsiedel, Vice President of Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, and Susanne Kolle, Research Coordinator of Experimental Toxicology and Ecology at BASF, as they explain the benefits of NAMs, how they comply with the 3Rs principle, and the role collaboration is playing to push NAMs as a viable alternative to animals.
Show Notes