"News from EURL ECVAM" Newsletter Issues

Chemical Strategy for Sustainability indicators (28/06/2024)

EURL ECVAM contributed to the newly published Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) Indicator Dashboard, developing 4 brand new indicators. These indicators focus on “Risk from chemical mixtures to human health”, “Ecological risk of pesticides in EU soils” and “the uses of animals in regulatory testing of industrial chemicals”. This accomplishment marks the completion of the CSS commitment to develop an indicator framework for monitoring chemical pollution and the effectiveness of related legislation.

IPCHEM - The Information Platform for Chemical Monitoring (28/06/2024)

The IPCHEM team has worked to support our IPCHEM users that are interested in using monitoring data for addressing more complex use cases. This may involve the need for data on multiple chemicals, multiple media or locations. An open source toolbox in an R and a Python version was specifically designed to help our users to explore, filter and retrieve the data they need from IPCHEM.

Liver Ring Trial launched (28/06/2024)

Supported by EURL ECVAM and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), TissUse launched a Liver Ring Trial in collaboration with ESQLabs, UCB, and five major pharmaceutical companies. The trial will validate the reliability of a liver Micro-Physiological System (MPS) for predicting drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and intrinsic clearance, aiming to advance non-clinical drug assessment without animals. The trial leverages organ-on-chip technology and computational models, seeking to enhance the credibility of MPS data for regulatory submissions.

PRO-MaP to promote trust and reusability of methods in life science research (28/06/2024)

EURL ECVAM initiated PRO-MaP (Promoting Reusable and Open Methods and Protocols) to bring together a broad cross-section of the life science community, including policy makers and publishers, to join forces and define means to increase and improve the open reporting of methods and reusable protocols, in support of the EU’s Open Science and Knowledge Valorisation policies. Recommendations set out in a newly published report outline actions that key stakeholder groups can take to achieve Pro-Map goals.

JRC Summer School on Non-Animal Approaches wins sustainability prize (28/06/2024)

The success of the EURL ECVAM JRC Summer School on Non-animal Approaches in Science 2023, which received the European Commission Sustainable Events Award for the second time, highlights the school's commitment to environmentally conscious event planning and its ability to promote innovative non-animal methods in science while remaining impactful. Since its inception, four Summer Schools have trained over 400 post-graduate students worldwide. To gauge its impact, EURL ECVAM conducted a survey among alumni. The results can be found in a newly published report. Post-graduate students and early-career scientists can now look forward to the fifth edition of the Summer School, scheduled for 19-23 May 2025.

PEPPER calls for partner laboratories to validate the ‘Fluorescent FITC-T4 Transthyretin Competitive Binding Assay’ for the identification of endocrine disruptors (08/07/2024)

As follow-up of the EURL ECVAM validation study of methods relevant for thyroid hormone system disruption, an OECD expert group for thyroid disruption methods evaluated several methods as being sensitive, specific, and reproducible and recommended their further validation, needed for regulatory use of the method. The French public-private platform for the pre-validation of endocrine disruptors characterization methods (PEPPER) has included two methods for the inhibition of thyroid hormone deiodination (DIO1-SK method, TM 2019-10) and the inhibition of thyroid hormone transport (FITC/T4-TTR method, TM 2019-09) onto its work programme to confirm transferability and between laboratory reproducibility. There is currently an open invitation for laboratories to participate in the FITC/T4-TTR method validation study. For further information, interested laboratories are invited to consult the call on the website https://ed-pepper.eu or to contact PEPPER at contact@ed-pepper.eu. Deadline for application: 31 July 2024

Karolinska Institutet’s Toxicology Master Students visit EURL ECVAM (28/06/2024)

On May 16th, ECVAM had the pleasure of hosting 26 brilliant Toxicology Master Students from Karolinska Institutet! They pitched their innovative projects and explored the EURL ECVAM lab, plus, they gave us some useful ideas on how to promote alternatives to animal testing and the 3Rs in University education!

Delegation from Taiwan NARLabs visiting EURL ECVAM (28/06/2024)

On May 21st Genie Chin, Director-General of the National Laboratory Animal Center of NARLabs and Director of the Taiwan 3R Initiative Program, provided interesting insights into the Taiwan 3R Initiative! This initiative, launched in October 2021, represents a collaborative effort among government agencies to enhance the adoption and integration of alternative test strategies, accelerate biomedical research innovations and promote animal welfare in Taiwan. We look forward to continued collaboration with our Taiwanese colleagues on advancing these important goals, particularly in the area of Organ-on-Chip methods!

Advancing science and non-animal methods together! (28/06/2024)

The Brazilian Centre for Validation of Alternative Methods (BraCVAM) visited EURL ECVAM on 22-23 May to strengthen international partnerships and collaboration. Linked to the Vice-Presidency for Research and Biological Collections (VPPCB) at FIOCRUZ, BraCVAM focuses on developing and validating alternative methods to animal testing in research and education. By promoting the principles of the Three Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), both BraCVAM and EURL ECVAM aim to advance scientific research and innovation while ensuring ethical standards and enhance animal welfare.

PARERE meeting (28/06/2024)

On 29 May 2024, the EURL ECVAM Network for Preliminary Assessment of Regulatory Relevance (PARERE) meeting took place providing updates on the current status form the Member States and EURL ECVAM.

EUROoCS Conference (08/07/2024)

EURL ECVAM made a splash at the EUROoCS Annual Meeting 2024 recently! The conference came to a close on July 5th, and our team participated in several activities focused on Organ-on-Chip (OoC) standardisation, qualification, and regulatory uptake.

Beyond chemicals: Opportunities and challenges of integrating non-chemical stressors in adverse outcome pathways (28/06/2024)

Beyond chemicals: Opportunities and challenges of integrating non-chemical stressors in adverse outcome pathways

Recommendations on fit-for-purpose criteria to establish quality management for microphysiological systems and for monitoring their reproducibility (28/06/2024)

Recommendations on fit-for-purpose criteria to establish quality management for microphysiological systems and for monitoring their reproducibility

Transition to innovative, human-relevant pre-clinical cardiovascular research: a perspective (28/06/2024)

Transition to innovative, human-relevant pre-clinical cardiovascular research: a perspective

Exploring the relationship between the societal impact of EU-funded biomedical research in selected disease areas and the use of animal and non-animal based approaches (18/07/2024)

Exploring the relationship between the societal impact of EU-funded biomedical research in selected disease areas and the use of animal and non-animal based approaches

Report of the European Commission workshop on “The Roadmap Towards Phasing Out Animal Testing for Chemical Safety Assessments” (18/07/2024)

Report of the European Commission workshop on “The Roadmap Towards Phasing Out Animal Testing for Chemical Safety Assessments”

EUROTOX 2024 (08/09/2024)

58th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology

DART workshop (12/09/2024)

DART workshop

The benefits of validation of methods for toxicity testing outweigh its costs (08/04/2024)

The benefits of validation of methods for toxicity testing outweigh its costs

The EURL ECVAM Status Report 2023 is out! (08/04/2024)

Among the highlights are new in vitro methods under consideration for regulatory application, a virtual reality application for Three Rs education in schools, enhancing collaboration to promote innovative non-animal approaches, and much more!

5th International Conference on Developmental Neurotoxicity Testing (DNT5) (07/04/2024)

Helsinki Chemicals Forum (10/04/2024)

Good practices and resources to improve the utility of research data in regulatory assessments (08/04/2024)

Guidance to define and promote good practices for regulatory consideration of non-standard scientific data is crucial. How do we improve the regulatory uptake of research data and what are the challenges of integrating non-standard research data into regulatory assessments? If you missed the online webinar, the outcome report and presentations are now available!

Investigating the dependency of in vitro benchmark concentrations on exposure time in transcriptomics experiments (08/04/2024)

Investigating the dependency of in vitro benchmark concentrations on exposure time in transcriptomics experiments

EUROoCS Conference (03/07/2024)

If you plan to be there, come and visit us in our exhibition booth!

22nd International Congress of the European Society of Toxicology In Vitro (ESTIV 2024) (03/06/2024)

The 3R LÄND conference (21/05/2024)

The ISSCR Annual Conference (10/07/2024)

SETAC Europe 34th Annual Meeting (05/05/2024)

Collaboration is key to advance scientific research! (08/04/2024)

Toshiyasu ICHIOKA, Director of RIKEN Europe, the Japanese national science institute, visited EURL ECVAM at the JRC Ispra in February to give an overview of their cutting-edge research, including a focus on advanced in vitro models.

Comprehensive mapping of the AOP-Wiki database: identifying biological and disease gaps (08/04/2024)

Comprehensive mapping of the AOP-Wiki database: identifying biological and disease gaps

Paving the way for using advanced in vitro imaging in regulatory toxicology! (08/04/2024)

The EURL ECVAM team hosted a workshop on 7-8 March to explore how to facilitate the uptake of imaging-based in vitro methods in regulatory toxicology. Experts from regulatory authorities, industry and academia discussed issues including the reliability of advanced technologies, their transferability across sites, and how to ensure sufficient quality of the data produced. Workshop report coming soon!

Heads on! Designing a qualification framework for organ-on-chip (08/04/2024)

Heads on! Designing a qualification framework for organ-on-chip

From animal testing to in vitro systems: advancing standardization in microphysiological systems (08/04/2024)

From animal testing to in vitro systems: advancing standardization in microphysiological systems

The EU-NETVAL meeting 2023 Summary Record (08/04/2024)

The EU-NETVAL meeting 2023 Summary Record

EPAA Designathon Challenge workshop (08/04/2024)

In June 2023, the EPAA and JRC launched the Designathon challenge for human systemic toxicity, to crowd-source different (partial) solutions for a chemical hazard classification scheme based solely on non-animal methods. The workshop was held at the JRC on March 20-22 and gathered participants who have signed up to the challenge and who submitted their ideas prior to the workshop. The flash report from the workshop is now available!

Predictive Modelling of Allergic Responses to Chemical Sensitizers: Distinguishing Skin and Respiratory Reactions (08/04/2024)

Predictive Modelling of Allergic Responses to Chemical Sensitizers: Distinguishing Skin and Respiratory Reactions

EPAA Designathon: Revolutionising Chemical Safety Assessment (06/12/2023)

Unleash your creativity in the EPAA Designathon! Join us in revamping chemical risk assessment using innovative New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) based on cutting-edge non-animal technologies. Help shape the future of human health protection without animals! Submit your proposal before the end of the year!

IPCHEM: Significant Milestone for Food and Feed Monitoring Data (06/12/2023)

The food & feed module of IPCHEM now includes close to 300 Million concentration measurements for pesticide residues, veterinary medicinal product residues and food contaminants! This represents another breakthrough in making food and feed monitoring data publicly available, thanks to a collaborative effort between the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC). Get ready for the future Common Data Platform on Chemicals

AI powered Database of Human Biology-based Non-Animal Methods for Biomedical Research (06/12/2023)

Our automated database project has lift off! With the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence, this project will revolutionise the way biomedical research information is collected and organised. This innovative platform will provide researchers with a comprehensive and up-to-date resource for exploring the application of non-animal methods in biomedical research. Stay tuned for updates!

The JRC Summer School 2023 Report is out (06/12/2023)

A summary report of the fourth edition of the JRC Summer school on Non-animal Approaches in Science 2023 has been published! The report describes the scope, scientific programme and the many interactive sessions were organised. It also includes feedback from participants, highlighting the event's dynamic format and engaging atmosphere, and the invaluable networking opportunities it provided to participants.

2023 EU-NETVAL meeting (06/12/2023)

The 2023 meeting of the EU Network of Laboratories for the Validation of Alternative Methods (EU-NETVAL) was a resounding success! Held at the JRC Ispra site in Italy, the packed agenda covered a range of important topics including updates from EURL ECVAM, validation principles and practice, organisation and funding challenges of validation studies, and the transferability of in vitro methods containing high tech elements. A panel of industry and CRO representatives shared their views on issues surrounding the commercialisation of non-animal testing methods and services, and there was time too for reviewing the results achieved in the thyroid validation study.

Boot Camp on Safe and Sustainable by Design (06/12/2023)

The EURL ECVAM team contributed to a unique joint initiative of DG RTD and PARC to bring together a wide range of disciplines and stakeholders to guide development and innovation processes for chemicals and materials to minimise their impact on health, climate and the environment! The Boot Camp, held at the JRC site in Italy, provided participants with insights in Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) thinking, to learn about the EU SSbD framework from experts in the field, and to become part of the growing SSbD community!

EUROTOX 2023: Another Step Towards a Future Without Animal Testing (06/12/2023)

Our team at EURL ECVAM participated in the EUROTOX 2023 conference, sharing our work on advancing the use of non-animal testing methods. We connected with fellow professionals and discussed the latest developments in toxicology. We're excited to continue working towards a future where animal testing is no longer needed.

EPAA Annual Conference (06/12/2023)

The 2023 Annual Conference of the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing took place on Wednesday, 15 November 2023. The aim of this event was to provide participants with insights on EPAA achievements in 2023, to announce the EPAA Refinement Prize winner, and to discuss challenges and opportunities for protection of people and our environment through NAMs. Recordings available online.

Exposure considerations in human safety assessment: Report from an EPAA Partners’ Forum (14/11/2022)

Exposure considerations in human safety assessment: Report from an EPAA Partners’ Forum

Towards a future regulatory framework for chemicals in the European Union – Chemicals 2.0 (06/12/2023)

Towards a future regulatory framework for chemicals in the European Union – Chemicals 2.0

Commission Workshop on a Roadmap towards phasing out animal testing (11/12/2023)

The European Commission will organise a hybrid "workshop on a roadmap towards phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessments" on 11-12 December 2023 in Brussels as part of the response to the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) ‘Save Cruelty-free Cosmetics - Commit to a Europe without Animal Testing'. This hybrid workshop will take place in Brussels and is open for registration, it can also be attended online. The JRC / EURL ECVAM will be presenting in all three sessions.

The Cell Transformation Assay: A Historical Assessment of Current Knowledge of Applications in an Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment for Non-Genotoxic Carcinogens (06/12/2023)

The Cell Transformation Assay: A Historical Assessment of Current Knowledge of Applications in an Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment for Non-Genotoxic Carcinogens

Regulatory acceptance, unpacked and unplugged (28/08/2023)

Presented by Maurice Whelan

Evolving regulatory frameworks require methods that are both innovative and scientifically valid #356 (31/08/2023)

Presented by Valérie Zuang

WC12 (24/08/2023)

Dear Subscribers,
The 12^th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences (WC12) will take place from 27-31 August in Niagara Falls, Canada. The programme is both rich and varied with participation of delegates from across the globe, representing the amazingly diverse community committed to the Three Rs.
I’m delighted to say that the JRC’s EU Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM) team will participate extensively both as speakers and session chairs, as described below. I’m also very honoured to kick things off on Monday morning with a keynote talk on regulatory acceptance, one of the main themes of the congress. Feel free to contact us directly to know more about our talks and related activities.
For those of you who plan to attend, we look forward to seeing you there!
Maurice Whelan, Head of EURL ECVAM

Establishing the credibility of computational models in biology and toxicology #686 (28/08/2023)

Presented by Maurice Whelan

The process and importance of integrating NAMs in GHS #206 (28/08/2023)

Presented by João Barroso

Human Relevant Models in Biomedical Research – Progressing Science through Innovation #186 (28/08/2023)

Presented by Annalisa Gastaldello

Monitoring Three Rs implementation – Open access data for indicator building #408 (29/08/2023)

Presented by Pierre Deceuninck

Three Rs for school-goers – From Study to Virtual Reality #405 (29/08/2023)

Presented by Pierre Deceuninck

Putting All the Chips on the Table! Doubling Down on Regulatory Acceptance of MPS (29/08/2023)

Presented by Maurice Whelan

Towards a more efficient chemical safety assessment applying animal-free approaches #379 (29/08/2023)

Presented by Elisabet Berggren

Replacement in Action – Animal-Free Reagents, Methods, and Standards (30/08/2023)

Chaired by João Barroso

The future of validation: It’s not all about ring trials #205 (30/08/2023)

Presented by João Barroso

The 3Cs: Curating & Cultivating Change for Faster Integration of NAMs in Animal-Free Policy Making (30/08/2023)

Presented by Maurice Whelan

Non-Animal Methods in Neuroscience – Focus on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease #349 (30/08/2023)

Presented by Annalisa Gastaldello

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.

Editorial WC11 (16/07/2021)

Dear Subscribers,

This month brings with it the 11^th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences 2021 (WC11) that takes place from 23 August to 2 September.

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 30^th 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.