TPI Utrecht

On November 21st, during the Master's Infection & Immunology Symposium, TPI Utrecht hosted an engaging workshop on a critical topic: replacing animal testing in immunology. 🐾   🎤Adele Selma Ferrario, research assistant at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, emphasised the importance of transitioning from animal tests to New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in immunology to promote more humane science. This transition is driven not only by ethical considerations but also by scientific and economic reasons. 🔬To dive deeper, we explored two case studies—the Rabbit Pyrogen Test and the Mouse Lethality Bioassay—where the replacement remains delayed despite viable alternatives. Jordi Middelkoop, whose Master’s thesis in Drug Innovation focused on the Botox case, shed light on the complexities involved. Through these examples, students stepped into the roles of key stakeholders to discuss barriers to NAM adoption. 📣The takeaway? Cultural change is essential to transitioning toward animal-free innovation. Building trust and understanding of NAMs in immunology are vital steps forward. A huge thank you to all the students who contributed to making this workshop successful! 🤝 We look forward to continuing this discussion and invite you to connect with TPI Utrecht for future collaboration. Together, we raise awareness, drive critical thinking, and pave the way for ethical, innovative, and animal-free science. 🌍 #AnimalFreeResearch #NAMs #Immunology #Innovation #InteractiveWorkshop

Last panel discussion at the EPAA European Partnership for Alternative Approaches Annual Conference on how to maximise uptake of #NAMs under existing EU #pharmaceutical regulations. Questions to be addressed by Sonja Beken Christian Desaintes Kirsty Reid Dr. Tina Stibbe and Maurice Whelan

🎥 50 Nationaal Groeifondsprojecten met een investering van ruim 11 miljard. Welke impact gaat het Centrum voor Proefdiervrije Biomedische Translatie (CPBT) maken? Er worden nog veel dierproeven gebruikt voor het maken van medicijnen, maar deze voorspellen vaak niet goed hoe ze bij mensen werken. Gelukkig zijn er alternatieven, zoals testen op menselijke miniorgaantjes. Het CPBT kan de ontwikkeling van proefdiervrije innovaties versnellen en eerder op de markt brengen. Daniela Salvatori, professor bij het CPBT, vertelt er in deze video meer over. Het Nationaal Groeifonds blijft de komende jaren impact maken via al onze Groeifondsprojecten. #NationaalGroeifonds Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO), Ministerie van Economische Zaken, Ministerie van Financiën, Ministerie van Landbouw, Visserij, Voedselzekerheid en Natuur, Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport, Universiteit Utrecht, UMC Utrecht, Hogeschool Utrecht, Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu

Last Wednesday, November 6, the TechMed meeting “Bridging past and future: five years of MedTech advancements and beyond” was organised at the University of Twente. In the afternoon, the Organ-on-Chip Centre Twente (#OoCCT) organised a session discussing the pioneering perspectives of becoming a Twente hub for transitioning into animal-free innovation. The session organised by OoCCT highlighted Twente's ambition to become a leading hub for pioneering advancements in this field. By inviting speakers from the TPI-program Erica van Oort (LVVN/TPI), Saskia Aan (YTPI) &, José Manuel Rivera Arbeláez (YTPI/ UT-EEMCS), Daniela Salvatori (UU, CPBT) and Carlo Alberto Paggi, PhD Paggi (Chiron) and an interesting introduction by Andries van der Meer of the OoCCT, it was outlined what is already in motion. Transition towards animal-free innovatioen is not just stimulated by the Government, but also by young people through YoungTPI, TPI-partners, Twente and the OoCCT and spin-off activities that arise. The recent granted M€ 124,5 from the National Growth Fund for a CPBT (Centre for animal-free Biomedical Translation) also illustrates that the opportunities for animal-free innovations are growing. After TPI-Utrecht & Amsterdam also more local TPI-networks are emerging, like here in Twente & Leiden for example. Interested to join our local- TPI network meetings? Do not hesitate and contact TPI. Thanks to OoCCT for the invitation to explain our national TPI -policy including our European strategy. Recap of the TechMed event 2024 #transitionanimalfree #animalfree #transition TechMed Centre - University of Twente

TPI Utrecht and PETA UK have recently established the first Global Education Hub for animal-free innovation! On October 28th, we held our 4th plenary meeting, uniting the four working groups to move our mission forward.   🚀 Our mission? Accelerate the transition to animal-free innovation by putting education, training and communication at the centre of all hub-related activities. The hub aims to connect and inspire individuals, organisations, and companies by co-creating, sharing, and disseminating knowledge, educational tools, resources, and materials about non-animal methods for life sciences research, testing, teaching, and training   🌍 Who should join us? Students, scientists, researchers, educators, and industry partners – we need your expertise to make animal-free education tools and education about non-animal research methods the global norm!   🤝 Scan the QR code below to join our enthusiastic community!   #education #science #hub #global #future #animalfree #innovation

[calender tip] 19 November: Animal-Free Workshop Series for Early-Career Researchers. Join the newly launched free online series hosted by Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. The series kicks off on November 19, at 10 am ET/ 4 pm CET with: Understanding Translatability and Crafting Competitive Grants. Dr. Jarrod Bailey will discuss the limitations of animal models and highlight human-specific alternatives like organoids and AI. Dr. Angela Hvitved, PhD will offer guidance on securing funding for non-animal research with tips on writing competitive grant applications.   More information and free registration: https://lnkd.in/ekb49Kjd   #animalfree #workshop #translatability #biomedical #earlycareer

📢 Call for Master's Students in Biological Sciences! Ready to lead in animal-free innovation?    Join our Better Science with Less Animal Experimentation (BSLAE) Master’s elective course starting February 2025 and elevate your research with humane, animal-free approaches!    Why enroll?    🔹 Practical knowledge: dive into advanced research techniques, including in vitro and in silico approaches, human-derived cells and organoids, and systematic reviews.  🔹 Interdisciplinary insights: learn from leading experts across various disciplines, including ethics and regulatory standards.  🔹 Collaborative experience: enagege in peer discussions and group projects to apply your skills.    Interested? 👉 Don’t miss out! Registration closes on November 22!    📅 Course dates: Feb 3 - March 9, 2025    🌍 Format: fully online, in English   📜 ECTS: 4.5 - 7.5 (with an extra assignment option for Veterinary students)    🌐 Secure your spot now – the course is limited to 30 students. Students from UU can enroll via Osiris, students from TU/e and WUR, sign up on EduXchange.nl ! 📽️ Watch our video and hear from students and organisers about it!  https://lnkd.in/dCPFaRni #AnimalFreeResearch #NAMs #BetterScience 

We are excited to share that the Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation (Centrum voor Proefdiervrije Biomedische Translatie, CPBT) now has its own LinkedIn page! Earlier this year, the CPBT received a positive funding recommendation from the Nationaal Groeifonds (NGF), securing an impressive budget of €245 million for the period 2025-2034. The project will develop a centre dedicated to advancing, sharing expertise, and promoting animal-free biomedical innovations. Follow our page to stay updated on the latest initiatives, breakthroughs, and developments as we work toward a future of sustainable, animal-free science and education! 🌱 🌐Click here for the CPBT LinkedIn page: https://lnkd.in/diX-yH9z

🚀 Excited to announce that the European Innovation Council (EIC) will be investing €1.4 billion in breakthrough innovation across Europe in 2025 after the Commission adopted the new Work Programme today. This funding, part of Horizon Europe, targets deep tech and strategic technologies essential for Europe’s competitiveness. Key features include: ☑️ STEP Scale-up Scheme: €300 million in total for equity investment in companies driving strategic technologies, to help them secure larger private co-investment. ☑️ EIC Pathfinder: €262 million in total for early-stage, multi-disciplinary research that could lead to technology breakthroughs. €120 million of this in “EIC Challenges” funding for emerging tech (e.g., autonomous construction robots, climate-resilient crops). ☑️ EIC Accelerator: €634 million for start-ups and SMEs to commercialise and scale innovations, with investments up to €10 million. €250 million of this funding for early-stage companies in sectors such as AI and future mobility. ☑️ EIC Transition: €98 million to turn research results into innovation opportunities. ☑️ Increased access to business acceleration services for emerging companies from ‘widening countries’. Read more here 👉 europa.eu/!g9tx6q The EIC has emerged as a gamechanger in EU support to breakthrough innovation, and this new Work Programme will make it go even further. The targeted support, especially through the STEP scale-up call, will help bridge critical funding gaps and build a stronger, more resilient innovation ecosystem in Europe. #EUInnovation #HorizonEurope #DeepTech #EIC #InnovationForEurope

Yordas Group is excited to share the release of the report ‘New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to Support Regulatory Decisions for Chemical Safety’, a project commissioned by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) on the use of NAMs to support decision-making by regulatory authorities. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is embracing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to enhance regulatory decisions on chemical safety. NAMs offer innovative, non-animal testing options, like in vitro and in silico methods, helping regulatory bodies make informed decisions about chemical risks. These approaches are not only faster and more cost-effective but also promote ethical testing by reducing animal use. The report provides an overview of NAMs in regulations and the ongoing efforts across different regions to enhance their integration. Drawing on an extensive literature review and interviews with stakeholders from around the world, it captures expert perspectives on the pace and trajectory of this integration. Read our full report here: https://lnkd.in/gwm5JMJ2 #NewApproachMethodologies #FSA #ChemicalSafety #EthicalTesting #NAMs #RegulatoryDecisions