About New England Society for Biomedical Research (NESBR)
The New England Society for Biomedical Research (NESBR) — formally Massachusetts Society for Biomedical Research — is the nation’s oldest biomedical research support organization. Our mission is to advocate for the responsible and humane use of animals in biomedical research to drive medical innovation forward.
Become a Member of NESBR
Services to Members
NESBR has built a premier professional reputation based on partnership, collaboration and high quality information exchange with its esteemed member organizations. We are committed to appropriately representing the needs of our members at the forefront of our policy and education priorities.
- Professional development seminars and workshops with a focus on IACUCs, IBCs and other oversight committees, communications, and security
- Focused training for IACUC community members
- Customized programs and workshops on-site for member organizations
- Legislative and regulatory monitoring for issues that affect research in New England, including issues affecting animal research
- Security tracking and updates, particularly with regard to animal rights extremism
- Contact with journalists on stories of importance to our members and mission
- Counseling on matters of security and crisis communications preparedness and response for members of the research institution’s management, public relations and animal care teams.
- Free job posting service
Services to Students and Teachers
NESBR offers free membership to qualifying high schools that includes educational materials like our award-winning Science Matters content, an annual Student Competition and other materials to excite students to enter the field of biomedical research.
- Outreach and education about animal research via presentations, letters to editors, conferences
- Engaging online science content for middle- and high-school students
- Speakers for schools, conferences, professional meetings
- Annual student essay/poster/webpage contest
Animal Heros: Penicilin
The development of penicillin, was shown to be effective against a fatal bacterial infection in mice in 1940 by Howard Florey and his biomedical research team. The mouse study was a crucial step that proved the antibiotic’s potential before human trials, and it was essential for showing the drug’s effectiveness against infections that would otherwise be fatal.
History
The Massachusetts Society for Medical Research, the nation’s oldest biomedical research support organization, was founded in 1953 and incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1982. At its inception, the society worked to fight against proposed Massachusetts legislation that would have stifled medical innovation through the prevention of research using animals. Massachusetts has long been seen as a hub for biomedical innovation and our work advocate for the responsible and humane use of animals in research has helped to keep the commonwealth at the forefront of scientific discovery.
Over time, our focus has expanded to include education support, professional development training and media outreach as well as issues management for our member organizations. In 1995, MSMR expanded its membership to include organizations in all six New England states and parts of New York. In 2026, we are proud to fully embrace the scope of our work by officially changing our name to the New England Society for Biomedical Research (NESBR) and look forward to continuing our legacy of advocating for the responsible and humane treatment of animals in biomedical research to drive medical innovation forward throughout the region.
Board of Directors
New England Society for Biomedical Research (NESBR) Board and Officers (2025-2026)
Chairman, NESBR
Vice-Chairman, NESBR
Treasurer, NESBR
Secretary, NESBR