Non-Animal Technologies Network

The Non-Animal Technologies Network (NAT-Net) is a collaborative research community established by the NSW Government in 2024 to accelerate the development, validation, and adoption of innovative non-animal technologies (NAT) in health and medical research. Backed by a $4.5 million investment, NAT-Net brings together eight leading research institutions across NSW, including University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, and others. Administered by UNSW and funded by NSW Health, NAT-Net is structured around three strategic pillars: Research – Supporting bold, collaborative projects through the NAT-Net Research Pillar Competitive Grant Scheme. Infrastructure – Building shared platforms, tools, and data pipelines to support next-generation NAT approaches. Regulatory – Working with national and international regulators to promote the acceptance of NAT in research and clinical development. NAT-Net champions technologies that offer more human-relevant, ethical, and effective alternatives to traditional animal-based models. These include organoids, organs-on-chips, AI-driven in silico modelling, and in chemico assays. Through funding, partnerships, and thought leadership, NAT-Net is growing a connected, future-focused community across disciplines to overcome fragmentation, strengthen local capability, and position NSW as a global leader in non-animal research innovation. Visit our website to learn more or get involved. Cover image credit: Retinal Organoid generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Source: Dr Anai Gonzalez Cordero, Stem Cell Medicine Group.