Renewal of the EURL ECVAM Scientific Advisory Committee and open call for applications of sub-groups (10/11/2022)
On 11 October 2022 the JRC formally appointed nine experts as the new members of the EURL ECVAM Scientific Advisory Committee ESAC. The JRC has now launched a continuously open call for applications for the selection of members of the sub-groups operating under the ESAC.
World Heart Day: Non-animal models as promising tools to fight cardiovascular diseases (28/09/2022)
Today, only about 25% of new drugs to treat cardiovascular diseases reach market authorisation. On the occasion of the World Heart Day, the JRC releases a freely available knowledge base describing 449 non-animal models used for cardiovascular disease research.
JRC Summer School on Non-animal Approaches in Science - Towards Sustainable Innovation (17/10/2022)
The JRC is pleased to announce the fourth edition of its Summer School on Non-animal Approaches in Science: Towards Sustainable Innovation organised by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre and its EU Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EURL ECVAM).
A new data repository to support screening and assessment of potential endocrine disruptors (27/10/2022)
The JRC launches today a revamped version of its Endocrine Active Substances Information System in support to the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, a key component of the Green Deal.
SCCS - Call for external experts of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (17/10/2022)
The Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, in consultation with the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), has launched a specific call to appoint external expert(s) who will assist the work of the SCCS. They will be appointed in their personal capacity as external experts to appropriate working groups of the SCCS. Deadline: 5 December 2022.
Advanced Non-animal Models in Biomedical Research - Cardiovascular diseases (11/11/2022)
Advanced Non-animal Models in Biomedical Research - Cardiovascular diseases
Advanced Non-animal Models in Biomedical Research - Immunogenicity testing for advanced therapy medicinal products (11/11/2022)
Advanced Non-animal Models in Biomedical Research - Immunogenicity testing for advanced therapy medicinal products
Summary record of the 11th meeting of the EURL ECVAM Preliminary Assessment of Regulatory Relevance (PARERE) Network - 17 February 2022 (11/11/2022)
Summary record of the 11th meeting of the EURL ECVAM Preliminary Assessment of Regulatory Relevance (PARERE) Network - 17 February 2022
A framework for establishing scientific confidence in new approach methodologies (11/11/2022)
A framework for establishing scientific confidence in new approach methodologies
Use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in Regulatory Decisions for Chemical Safety: Report from an EPAA Deep Dive Workshop (14/11/2022)
Use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in Regulatory Decisions for Chemical Safety: Report from an EPAA Deep Dive Workshop
FG IV – Project officer: Integrated approaches for systemic toxicity and carcinogenicity (26/10/2022)
We're looking for a scientist to broaden our expertise and activities in the area of systemic toxicity with a focus on carcinogenicity and genotoxicity.
21st International Congress of the European Society of Toxicology In Vitro (ESTIV 2022) (21/11/2022)
Going to the ESTIV Congress? If so, then we hope to see you there!
Meet us at our booth no. 19 and talk with our JRC scientists who are giving presentations, running pre-conference workshops and presenting posters.
EPAA Annual Conference 2022 (15/11/2022)
The aim of this event is to give participants insight on the EPAA achievements in 2022, announce the EPAA 3Rs Science Prize winner, and to discuss challenges we still need to address to make animal-free sustainable innovation a reality within the EU.
JRC Summer School on Non-animal Approaches in Science (23/05/2023)
The JRC Summer School provides you with a unique opportunity to learn from experts in the field, share knowledge and experience with your peers, and build your professional network, all while having fun too.
Apply now!
Apply now: EURL ECVAM is renewing membership of its scientific advisory committee (ESAC) (07/04/2022)
EURL ECVAM has launched an open Call for Applications for membership of the ESAC. Interested scientists who satisfy the eligibility criteria and who possess the relevant competences are invited to apply. The closing date for submitting an application is 1st May 2022, before midnight.
JRC supporting alternatives to animal testing (07/04/2022)
The European Parliament recently issued a resolution urging the Commission to accelerate the transition to innovation without the use of animals in research, regulatory testing and education. The JRC’s status report of the EU Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM), published today, describes JRC’s contributions to several of the actions set out in the Commission’s response to the Parliament in February 2022.
What makes EU-funded biomedical research stand out? We asked the scientists! (16/02/2022)
In a JRC study, participants of EU-funded research projects in the fields of Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer and prostate cancer claimed that their research already had an impact or that impact would be seen in the near future.
Three Rs experts inspire school-goers (11/04/2022)
The European Schoolnet STE(A)M-IT initiative in collaboration with the EURL ECVAM Three Rs education in secondary schools project recently featured the careers of our colleague Monica Piergiovanni, working in the field of complex in vitro models, and Luísa Bastos, programme leader for animals used in science at Eurogroup for animals. Check out the Three Rs Careers section!
EPAA 3Rs student grants 2022: Call for submissions (08/04/2022)
The European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA) helps students and young scientists with outstanding work in alternative approaches attend a high-profile scientific event. The Call for Submissions for 3Rs Student grants in 2022 is now open!
EURL ECVAM status report 2021 (07/04/2022)
EURL ECVAM status report 2021
Addressing evidence needs in chemicals policy and regulation (17/02/2022)
Addressing evidence needs in chemicals policy and regulation
ATLA special issue: JRC summer school 2021 (17/02/2022)
ATLA special issue: JRC summer school 2021
Will qAOPs Modernise Toxicology? (07/04/2022)
Will qAOPs Modernise Toxicology?
Organ on chip: building a roadmap towards standardisation (07/04/2022)
Organ on chip: building a roadmap towards standardisation
Towards animal-free in vitro methods in the Thyroid Validation Study (07/04/2022)
Towards animal-free in vitro methods in the Thyroid Validation Study
Progress Towards an OECD Reporting Framework for Transcriptomics and Metabolomics in Regulatory Toxicology (07/04/2022)
Progress Towards an OECD Reporting Framework for Transcriptomics and Metabolomics in Regulatory Toxicology
Reliability of the AR-CALUX® in vitro method used to detect chemicals with (anti)androgen activity: results of an international ring trial (07/04/2022)
Reliability of the AR-CALUX® in vitro method used to detect chemicals with (anti)androgen activity: results of an international ring trial
FG IV – Project Officer in omics based methods in toxicology and chemical risk assessment (07/04/2022)
We're looking for a life scientist to promote the acceptance and use of omics in regulatory toxicology.
FELASA Workshop: Biomedical research – breaking the deadlock by drawing innovation from multidisciplinary approaches (13/06/2022)
In facilitated breakout groups, we work through a series of activities designed to explore opportunities for bridge building across the different research questions, methods, models and approaches of different disciplines and sectors, in order to get new perspectives on world challenges faced by participants in the workshop.
FELASA workshop: Modern education and training tools – hands on workshop on emodules, training assessment tools, VR and others (15/06/2022)
The workshop will provide brief background on new open access eModules, training and competence assessment tools and others developed to improve harmonisation and level of competence in LAS Education and Training and education on the Three Rs across EU.
ONE Conference 2022 (21/06/2022)
The ONE Conference 2022 is a four-day event and aims at examining food and feed safety from a broader perspective of sustainability, exploring possible developments in risk assessment science, reflecting on future strategic goals and directions for regulatory science, contributing to new policy targets such as the EU Green Deal.
ESTIV Pre-conference workshop - Bridging across methods in the biosciences (BeAMs): the opportunity of COVID-19 (21/11/2022)
In this workshop we offer tools to assist in putting into practice meaningful cross-disciplinarity, that can be a game changer in the broad arena of toxicology. Participants will explore their own and others’ attitudes towards cross-disciplinarity, and the challenges to accomplishing it. We will discuss the successful example of the interdisciplinary project CIAO (https://www.ciao-covid.net)
12th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences (27/08/2023)
The 12th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences - 3Rs Over the Edge - Regulatory Acceptance & Next-Gen Education will take place at Niagara Falls, Canada on 27-32 August 2023.
Time for a paradigm change: understanding COVID-19 disease using next generation innovative, interdisciplinary methodologies (27/09/2021)
A new JRC study on SARS-CoV-2 examines the existing literature on how this coronavirus enters and infects the human body, exploring how scientists are currently using new innovative technologies based on human biology and mathematics-based methods to better understand the virus and develop new treatments.
Tuning our immune system to fight cancer: human based models are trending (20/09/2021)
The JRC adds a new knowledge base of 542 models used in the immuno-oncology field to its freely available collection of advanced non-animal models for biomedical research.
Machine learning and ‘omics arrive in the field of regulatory toxicology (23/07/2021)
The JRC has published an independent scientific peer review of two Genomic Allergen Rapid Detection (GARD) test methods for the assessment of chemicals inducing skin allergies.
COVID-19: How not to get lost in the ocean of information (24/06/2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic is engaging a great number of scientists worldwide and published knowledge is increasing at an exponential rate. The JRC’s CIAO project gives the scientific community a reliable map to navigate through the COVID-19 knowledge ocean. Why not join the effort!
New milestone reached in alternatives to animal testing for chemicals inducing contact allergy (23/06/2021)
The JRC’s EU Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM) contributed to the new OECD guideline on Defined Approaches for skin sensitisation. This can replace the need for animal testing and represents the first example of international standards for chemical safety assessment based on the integration of non-animal data.
Tackling neurodegenerative diseases with more human relevant research (28/04/2021)
To mark Parkinson’s awareness month, the JRC has published a freely available knowledge base of non-animal models to advance research into neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
New guidance for using computational models in chemical risk assessment (13/03/2021)
JRC researchers have led the development of international guidance to support the use of physiologically based kinetic models in chemical risk assessment. The guidance document has been adopted and published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
New guideline reduces animal testing and protects from allergies caused by chemicals (13/10/2021)
ECHA has published advice to registrants on how to reliably combine different sources of alternative data when assessing skin sensitisation of chemicals. This reduces the need to test on animals, while protecting people from allergies. The advice is based on a recent OECD guideline.
Protection of animals used in science - release of 2018 EU statistical data (11/10/2021)
The 2018 statistical data on the use of animals for scientific purposes has been released. Data, now also submitted by Norway, can be reviewed using ALURES Statistical EU Database, or by the accompanying 2018 Summary Report.
MEPs demand EU action plan to end the use of animals in research and testing (16/09/2021)
With 667 votes to 4 Parliament adopted a resolution urging the EU to accelerate the transition to a research system that does not use animals.
Advanced Non-animal Models in Biomedical Research - Neurodegenerative Diseases (11/10/2021)
Advanced Non-animal Models in Biomedical Research - Neurodegenerative Diseases
Advanced Non-animal Models in Biomedical Research - Immuno-oncology (11/10/2021)
Advanced Non-animal Models in Biomedical Research - Immuno-oncology
A Survey on Monitoring Innovation and Societal Impact of EU-funded biomedical Research — Synopsis Report (11/10/2021)
A Survey on Monitoring Innovation and Societal Impact of EU-funded biomedical Research — Synopsis Report
Determination of in vitro metabolic hepatic clearance of valproic acid (VPA) and five analogues by UPLC-MS-QTOF, applicable in alternatives to animal testing (11/10/2021)
Determination of in vitro metabolic hepatic clearance of valproic acid (VPA) and five analogues by UPLC-MS-QTOF, applicable in alternatives to animal testing
Putting Science into Standards workshop on standards for organ-on-chip (11/10/2021)
Putting Science into Standards workshop on standards for organ-on-chip
Combining in vitro assays and mathematical modelling to study developmental neurotoxicity induced by chemical mixtures (11/10/2021)
Combining in vitro assays and mathematical modelling to study developmental neurotoxicity induced by chemical mixtures
Extrapolating from acute to chronic toxicity in vitro (12/10/2021)
Extrapolating from acute to chronic toxicity in vitro
FG IV - Scientific Project Officer: Non-animal approaches for biological medicines (13/10/2021)
We're looking for a new colleague to take a lead role in activities in the area of biologicals at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission.
Webinar on the implementation of the Defined Approaches on Skin Sensitisation (OECD GL 49) for chemical safety in member countries (18/10/2021)
The OECD will organise a webinar on 18 October 2021 at 14:00 to discuss the implementation of the Defined Approaches on Skin Sensitisation for chemical safety in member countries. This webinar will pave the way for companies and authorities to determine the environmental toxicity of chemicals without having to resort to animal testing.
EPAA Annual Conference (27/10/2021)
The aim of this event is to give participants insight on EPAA achievements in 2021, announce the EPAA Refinement prize winner, and to discuss its role in the EU Chemical Strategy for Sustainability.
A draft programme and registration will be available soon on the EPAA website.
The programme is extremely rich and varied with participation of numerous experts from across the globe. One highlight to look out for is the presentation of the Björn Ekwall Memorial Fund (BEMF) Award 2020 which goes to a very special member of our team, Sandra Coecke, a true champion of alternative methods and the 3Rs!
As the EU Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM) is celebrating our 30th birthday we couldn’t miss the chance to attend the congress! We will participate extensively both as session chairs and speakers and will give 16 presentations as described below.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Maurice Whelan, Head of EURL ECVAM
Validation in a regulatory context - a EURL ECVAM perspective on principles, practice and progress (16/07/2021)
S161: Validation redefined: needs and opportunities for the validation of (r)evolutionary non-animal approaches for chemical safety assessment (Theme: Safety)
Advancing carcinogenicity assessment: a novel methodological approach to integrate information and further the impact on the 3Rs (23/08/2021)
S111: Modern, Mechanistic Approaches to Cancer Risk Assessment (Theme: Safety)
EU-NETVAL Thyroid Validation Study: Chemical selection strategy (24/08/2021)
S126: Modern Regulatory Methods for Skin Sensitization: Bye-Bye Buehler? (Theme: Safety)
Global collaboration, harmonisation and interdisciplinary efforts deliver mechanistic methods and integrated approaches for identifying human thyroid disruptors (16/07/2021)
S13: Flexible, efficient and performance-driven in-house method validation responding to current regulatory challenges for identifying human thyroid disruptors (Theme: Safety)
Scientific Validity of Non-Animal-Derived Antibodies (16/07/2021)
S118: A global movement to improve science using animal-free antibodies (Theme: Disease)
(2017) Good Cell Culture Practice for stem cells and stem-cell-derived models (26/08/2021)
S85: A walk through 10 years of CAAT-Europe’s highlights
S65: Diving into the scientific knowledge big data looking for alternatives (Theme: Innovative Technologies) (27/08/2021)
Chair of the session
Establishing scientific credibility of NAMs. To what extent is transparency, interpretability and explainability necessary? (16/07/2021)
S59: Innovative technologies integrating standardised regulatory test methods: challenges and perspectives (Theme: Innovative Technologies)
AOPs for endocrine disruptors (30/08/2021)
S104: AOPs, MOAs, and KCs - Mutually Informative, Not Mutually Exclusive (Theme: Safety)
Innovative strategies in biomedical research: which models? (30/08/2021)
S122: Biomed 2.0 -Non-animal Models for Biomedical Research (Theme: Disease)
The need to address human relevance and measure impact and innovation of biomedical research (16/07/2021)
S122: Biomed 2.0 -Non-animal Models for Biomedical Research (Theme: Disease)
Advancing Three Rs Education and Training under a European Parliament Pilot Project at EURL ECVAM (16/07/2021)
S135: Advancing Three Rs education and training under a European Parliament Pilot Project (Theme: Ethics, Welfare and Regulation)
The need to prioritize 'Replacement' in Alzheimer's disease research (16/07/2021)
S84: Beyond the 3Rs: Expanding the Use of Human-Relevant Replacement Methods in Biomedical Research (Theme: Disease)
Advancing IATA in European Chemicals Regulatory Decision-Making (16/07/2021)
S222: Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment of Chemicals: Occam’s razor for the integration of New Approach Methodologies into 21st Century Human Health Decision-Making (Theme: Safety)
Role of biomedical journals' policies in promoting the dissemination of the 3Rs (24/08/2021)
S26: “Proof in animals”: Has journal editorial policy fallen behind advances in human-based approaches? (Theme: Ethics, Welfare and Regulation)
S307: 3Rs in disease research (Theme: Disease) (01/09/2021)
Chair of the session
An adverse outcome pathway (AOP)-informed integrated approach to testing and assessment (IATA) as a tool to conduct a developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) hazard characterization (01/09/2021)
S237: Application of an in vitro testing battery for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) assessment in a regulatory context (Theme: Safety)
Björn Ekwall Memorial Fund (BEMF) Award 2020 (02/09/2021)
Non-animal methods for toxicity testing – Good In Vitro Method Practices and the pursuit of truly animal free methods
On a 30-year mission to replace animal tests with alternative methods (03/06/2021)
The JRC laboratory for alternatives to animal testing is 30 years old this year. A lot has been accomplished since 1991, but the mission is not over yet. We take a look at the milestones, achievements and the road ahead.
Second Annual Forum on Endocrine Disruptors – towards a toxic free environment (07/04/2021)
During the European Commission’s Second Annual Forum on Endocrine Disruptors, the JRC presented the findings of the recently completed Fitness Check of the EU legal framework on these chemicals.
Supporting educators in the move away from animal use in science (07/04/2021)
In a recent report, the JRC makes the case for introducing teaching on the Three Rs - Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal experiments - into secondary schools, universities and continuing education programmes.
Answering your questions about non-animal derived antibodies (14/12/2020)
The JRC has published responses to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the EURL ECVAM Recommendation on non-animal derived antibodies.
Major step towards reduction of animal tests for the quality control of veterinary vaccines (16/12/2020)
JRC scientists have contributed to a new guideline released by the International Cooperation on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products (VICH) to allow the waiving of an unnecessary animal test for batch safety testing of veterinary vaccines.
ALURES Statistical EU Database is launched! (03/06/2021)
The ALURES Statistical EU Database on the use of animals for scientific purposes provides data collected by the Member States and submitted to the European Commission annually. It offers free access to all interested in obtaining more information on animal use in the EU. The database is supported by a downloadable leaflet and a video.
Non-animal Methods in Science and Regulation - EURL ECVAM Status Report 2020 (15/04/2021)
Non-animal Methods in Science and Regulation - EURL ECVAM Status Report 2020
Introducing the Three Rs into secondary schools, universities and continuing education programmes (08/04/2021)
Introducing the Three Rs into secondary schools, universities and continuing education programmes
Current EU regulatory requirements for the assessment of chemicals and cosmetic products: challenges and opportunities for introducing new approach methodologies (14/06/2021)
Current EU regulatory requirements for the assessment of chemicals and cosmetic products: challenges and opportunities for introducing new approach methodologies
Integration of data across toxicity endpoints for improved safety assessment of chemicals: the example of carcinogenicity assessment (07/06/2021)
Integration of data across toxicity endpoints for improved safety assessment of chemicals: the example of carcinogenicity assessment
Systematic organization of COVID-19 data supported by the Adverse Outcome Pathway framework (07/06/2021)
Systematic organization of COVID-19 data supported by the Adverse Outcome Pathway framework
Assessment of the predictive capacity of a physiologically based kinetic model using a read-across approach (15/04/2021)
Assessment of the predictive capacity of a physiologically based kinetic model using a read-across approach
Exposure to human relevant mixtures of halogenated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) alters neurodevelopmental processes in human neural stem cells undergoing differentiation (15/04/2021)
Exposure to human relevant mixtures of halogenated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) alters neurodevelopmental processes in human neural stem cells undergoing differentiation
Methods and models in biomedical sciences: building bridges (14/06/2021)
The workshop aims to create an open cross-disciplinary environment to discuss how the combination of different models can contribute to the development of biomedical sciences.
