150 scientists speak out about the importance of diverse research methods

More than 150 scientists from leading Dutch research institutes and universities are speaking out today during BOARD26 (Be Open About Animal Research Day) about the importance of openness regarding animal research and the need to use a range of research methods in the development of new treatments and medicines.

Participating researchers come from the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), Radboud University & Radboudumc, Amsterdam UMC, Erasmus MC, Utrecht University, Wageningen University & Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Maastricht University, Leiden University, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), TNO, the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, RAVON, Sportvisserij Nederland, the Hubrecht Institute, the Donders Institute, the Dutch Mammal Society (Zoogdierstichting), Peitho Translational, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Noldus Information Technology, the Dutch Society for Immunology, and the Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC).

"Science is making great progress in developing animal-free research methods, and we strongly welcome these advances,"says Monique Sundin, spokesperson for the European Animal Research Association (EARA) and the Dutch Information Foundation on Animal Testing (Stichting Informatie Dierproeven). "At the same time, researchers continue to use a variety of research methods, both with and without animals. Not because they prefer one method over another, but because each method provides different information. It is this combination of approaches that generates new insights and contributes to better treatments for both people and animals."

Every method provides different answers

Around 400,000 animal procedures are carried out in the Netherlands each year for scientific research, safety and toxicity testing, animal welfare, nature management and environmental protection. The vast majority involve mice, rats, fish and birds. Only 0.2% involve dogs or non-human primates.

At the same time, Dutch researchers are investing heavily in animal-free innovations such as organoids, organ-on-a-chip systems, advanced computer models and artificial intelligence. These technologies are increasingly replacing animal studies where possible, but in practice they are also frequently used alongside animal research.

"Researchers do not choose one method over another; they choose the method that is best suited to answer the scientific question," Sundin explains. "In many cases, an animal-free technique is sufficient, but certainly not always. Sometimes additional research is needed to ensure that a new treatment can be safely introduced for patients. By combining different methods in a thoughtful way, researchers gain a more complete understanding of disease processes."

Openness about science

During BOARD26, more than 150 researchers are sharing why they do their work, which research methods they use, and how these contribute to the development of new treatments, vaccines and diagnostic tools.

"Openness is essential," says Sundin. "People have the right to know how medical research is conducted, even when that involves difficult choices. By giving researchers the opportunity to tell their own stories, we hope to contribute to an honest and balanced conversation about science."

More information and the stories of the participating researchers can be found at: https://www.stichtinginformatiedierproeven.nl/onderzoekers-aan-het-woord