Research Forward Podcast

Honoring a Pioneer: The Life and Legacy of Pete Willan

In this special and heartfelt episode of Research Forward, we honor the life and legacy of Pete Willan, a remarkable leader whose five decades of service transformed biomedical research facilities and advanced the standards of animal welfare across the UK. Host David Mayo and guest Alison Hopkins reflect on Pete’s extraordinary career—from his strategic leadership at the University of Leicester’s Division of Biomedical Services to his unwavering commitment to humane care, ethical practice, and the technicians who uphold them. We explore Pete’s groundbreaking 2001 study examining emotional conflict among animal care technicians, his leadership in advancing the 3Rs, and his influential innovations in environmental enrichment—such as nest packs and the seesaw—that improved welfare for research animals and working conditions for staff. Through data-driven insights, compassionate inquiry, and practical solutions, Pete elevated the role of the animal technician and shaped a more transparent, humane, and resilient research community. This episode pays tribute to a pioneer whose impact continues to guide biomedical services today.

Breaking Barriers in Clinical Research: How Prelude Is Redefining Data Management

In this episode of Research Forward, we sit down with Tommy Jackson, CEO of Prelude, to explore how technology is transforming clinical research. Tommy shares his journey from finance and Silicon Valley startups to leading one of the most trusted eClinical platforms in animal health—and now expanding into human health trials. We discuss: * How Prelude’s Electronic Data Capture (EDC) system accelerates trial timelines by up to 50% and reduces database build times by 75%. * Lessons human health research can learn from decades of optimization in veterinary trials. * Why user-friendly design and integrated modules like ePRO and eConsent are critical for trial success. * The role of robust customer success teams in overcoming resistance to digital adoption. * How modern EDC systems support compliance, improve data quality, and even help advance the “Three Rs” in animal research. If you’ve ever wondered how clinical data management can evolve to be faster, more accurate, and more humane, this conversation is for you.

Smart Cages, Smarter Science: Olden Labs’ Disruptive Approach

In this episode of the Research Forward Podcast, host David Mayo welcomes Dr. Michael Florea, co-founder and CEO of Olden Labs, a Harvard-trained synthetic biologist revolutionizing longevity research. Michael shares his journey from teenage lab work in Estonia to developing whole-body gene delivery systems at Harvard Medical School, and ultimately founding Olden Labs to tackle the bottlenecks of animal studies. Discover how Olden Labs is building the world’s first automated animal research lab using AI-powered smart cages and robotics to transform data collection, reduce costs, and improve animal welfare. From non-invasive health monitoring to accelerating disease model development, this conversation explores the intersection of engineering, biology, and artificial intelligence in modern biotech. Learn how automation is reshaping reproducibility, ethical standards, and the future of preclinical research—one smart cage at a time.

Zebrafish and the Future of Drug Discovery

In this episode of the Research Forward Podcast, host David sits down with Arantza Muriana, Chief Investigational Officer and CEO of Biobide’s American affiliate. Arantza shares her inspiring journey from clinical trials in Spain to pioneering preclinical research using zebrafish and other aquatic models. Together, they explore how Biobide is transforming drug discovery, toxicology, and environmental safety testing through innovative, ethical, and high-throughput methods. Learn how zebrafish are helping reduce animal testing, accelerate rare disease research, and improve regulatory science. From AI-driven image analysis to personalized medicine and environmental impact assessments, this conversation dives deep into the science, challenges, and promise of alternative models in modern biotech.

Beyond Willpower: The Genetic Roots of Obesity in Dogs and Humans

In this episode of the Research Forward Podcast, host David Mayo sits down with Dr. Eleanor Raffan, veterinary surgeon and geneticist at the University of Cambridge, to explore the surprising genetic links between obesity in dogs and humans. Through her groundbreaking work with pet Labradors and other breeds, Dr. Raffan reveals how genes like POMC and D1B influence appetite, metabolism, and weight gain—offering insights that challenge the conventional wisdom that obesity is simply a matter of willpower. Her research not only highlights the biological complexity of obesity but also underscores the shared health challenges between humans and their canine companions. Dr. Raffan also discusses the ethical and practical importance of studying dogs in their home environments rather than in kennels, and how her team’s findings are reshaping how veterinarians and pet owners approach obesity prevention. From the role of polygenic risk scores to the impact of neutering on appetite, this episode dives deep into the science of obesity while advocating for compassion and understanding—both for pets and people. Whether you're a dog lover, a health professional, or just curious about the genetics of weight, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on a growing global issue.