FRAME’s scientific journal appoints new editor-in-chief

FRAME’s international, peer-reviewed scientific journal ATLA  (Alternatives to Laboratory Animals), has appointed a new editor-in-chief. 

Dr Judith Madden, a Reader in Molecular Design and member of the Chemoinformatics Research group at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), has taken up the role of editor-in-chief and succeeds Michael Balls, who has been ATLA’s editor-in-chief since 1982. 

ATLA is a leading scientific journal that has been key to the specialist field of laboratory animal alternatives for more than 30 years.  

Judith has a particular interest in predicting activity, toxicity and ADME properties of chemicals using a range of computer modelling and simulation (in silico) methods, focused on the development of alternatives to animal testing.  

She holds a Dual Honours Degree in Pharmacology and Chemistry from the University of Sheffield, a PhD in computer-aided drug development from LJMU and worked as a post-doctoral research associate, studying pharmacokinetics, at the University of Manchester, before returning to LJMU as a lecturer in Pharmaceutical Science.  

As editor-in-chief, Judith is responsible for maintaining ATLA’s highly respected scientific rigour, as she explains:  

“This is an opportunity to build on ATLA’s position as a platform for raising awareness of  the science and eliciting greater uptake and acceptance of alternative, non-animal methods, in scientific research.   

“I will maintain ATLA’s engagement with researchers and stakeholders interested in the development and use of alternatives to laboratory animals, and maintain ATLA’s role in highlighting the diversity of research in this area, to encourage debate and publication of the science and issues involved. Under my guidance, ATLA will continue to evolve as a foremost authority on alternatives to animals in testing and research, as a journal that is known for being responsive to the latest scientific innovations, and for its philosophy of changing practice by highlighting potential applications of these new methods.  

“Since its inception, ATLA has played a key role in identifying, collating and disseminating the latest ideas and new methods in the area of alternatives,” she adds.  “Its scope reflects the truly multidisciplinary nature of the area, encompassing all facets of research into alternatives.” 

Judith’s career and specialist research work means she knows FRAME and ATLA well: “I have long been interested in FRAME’s work and agree with its philosophy that the best way to achieve replacement is through the development of scientifically valid alternatives, predicated on best practice and human relevance,” she says.  

Celean Camp, CEO of FRAME comments:

“We are delighted to welcome Judith to the team. Her experience and knowledge will be invaluable in the role of ATLA’s editor-in-chief, and we look forward to her ideas and input to add new energy to our journal. ATLA is a respected journal that shares the important work carried out in the field of alternatives. This appointment is the first step in us building on ATLA’s legacy and success and ensuring it remains a valuable source of information for those working in alternatives.” 

SAGE Publishing 

ATLA publishes six times a year, with articles on the latest research relating to the development, validation, introduction and use of alternatives to laboratory animals, reports on the latest news and events, reviews of publications and products, and listings of the most significant research papers in the field of alternatives.  

The journal is published by SAGE Publishing, an international provider of innovative content publishing.  

Commenting on Judith’s appointment, VP of Research at SAGE, Miranda Nunhofer, says: “We welcome the appointment of Dr Madden to ATLA. We look forward to working with her to support the journal’s mission and continued evolution.” 

Judith adds: “I hope to build on all that ATLA has achieved under my predecessor Michael’s guidance, and to re-energise the debate surrounding the acceptability of alternatives to animals for different use case scenarios across academia, industry and the regulatory sector. Michael has dedicated many years to the development and promotion of the journal which established him as an ambassador for animal welfare.”