Projects Overview

Developed by the 3RCU, this public database provides detailed and searchable information on the available alternatives for the use of fetal calf serum (FCS). FCS is commonly used in cell culture, but its animal-unfriendly sourcing, inherent batch-batch variability and unknown composition provide ethical and scientific arguments to rather use alternatives. The database requires regular updating and upgrading - recently we have e.g. added a new section on the availability of FCS-free cryopreservatives.

Project information: Solène Feyzi, s.feyzi@uu.nl, Dr. Jeffrey Bajramovic, j.j.bajramovic@uu.nl

Supported by: Triodos Foundation, Centre for Human Specific Research 

Many in vitro models still rely on the use of animal-derived basement membrane extracts (BMEs) like Matrigel. As for FCS, the use of BMEs is associated with animal suffering and scientific considerations. Therefore, we are developing a publicly available database that provides a comprehensive overview of alternative (animal-free) products for in vitro applications where BMEs are commonly used, such as organoids and induced pluripotent stem cells. The search tool allows researchers to finetune their search for finding suitable alternatives for their specific application. Additionally, our BME-Free Campaign highlights the ethical and scientific benefits of transitioning to sustainable research practices.

Project information: Dr. Melissa van Velthoven, m.j.j.vanvelthoven@uu.nl

Supported by: Proefdiervrij

To facilitate researchers in their efforts to replace animal-derived products (ADP) such as fetal calf serum (FCS) and basement membrane extracts (BMEs like Matrigel) from their workflows, we organize the Gels and Sera Working Group. This group of researchers meets on a regular basis to discuss progress, technical challenges and funding opportunities. In addition, we share a Teams environment with relevant literature and information on local ADP use, we host a library of onsite available free test reagents for researchers and we help with finding interns and labspace.

Project information: Solène Feyzi, s.feyzi@uu.nl, Dr. Jeffrey Bajramovic, j.j.bajramovic@uu.nl

Together with the Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, we run a project where we combine education and research. Students are taught how to culture cells, and tasked with a project to search for possibilities to do so without using FCS. They learn how to use the FCS-free database, test reagents from our library and feedback results into our database.

Project information: Dr. Ronald Vlasblom, vlasblom@hu.nl, Dr. Jeffrey Bajramovic, j.j.bajramovic@uu.nl

Supported by: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature

Recently, the EU has been advised to phase out the use of animal-derived and animal-produced antibodies, given the technical availability of (theoretical) alternatives for obtaining antibodies, such as through phage display technology. This advice has sparked considerable debate and while we do not wish to engage in the discussion, we do aim to reduce the use of animals for the generation and production of antibodies.

For this reason, we have entered into a collaboration with a Swiss company that has a large phage display library at its disposal and exclusively sells animal-free, recombinant antibodies. They have provided us with a mini library of recombinant antibodies that we are currently testing with researchers for specific purposes. These antibodies also improve the quality and reproducibility of research because their coding DNA sequences are known, ensuring that researchers are working with the exact same material as their colleagues. For this project, we collaborate with the GreenlabsNL movement.

Project information: Dr. Joep Sprangers, j.sprangers-4@umcutrecht.nl, Dr. Jeffrey Bajramovic, j.j.bajramovic@uu.nl

Access to expertise in New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) is highly specialized and is not always easily accessible for stakeholders in the biomedical research field. In this project, we perform a feasibility study to establish a helpdesk with NAMs experts. For this study, we will conduct interviews, organize focus groups, test various scenarios via pilots with real-life case studies and formulate a financial plan to realize a NAMs Expert Helpdesk. The goal is to facilitate the access to NAMs expertise for various stakeholders within the biomedical research field, thereby contributing to the transition towards animal-free innovations.

Project information: Dr. Birgit Goversen, b.goversen@uu.nl

Supported by: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature

In this project, we are developing a proposal on the sustainability of three commonly used animal-derived laboratory products (ADP): fetal calf serum (FCS), basement membrane extracts (BMEs), and animal-produced antibodies. While contributing to in vitro technology, the use of ADP sustains our reliance on animals for biomedical research. These animals are not visible in the reported experimental animal use numbers, but have been used (and most of the times killed). Our focus is to assess the environmental impact of the production processes of ADP.

Project information: Carla Gräser, c.graser@students.uu.nl, Dr. Jeffrey Bajramovic, j.j.bajramovic@uu.nl

For research where animal models have historically been considered the 'gold standard', developing, validating, and implementing animal-free methods or New Approach Methods (NAMs) is particularly challenging. A common misconception is the belief that NAMs or animal-free technologies only have added value if they lead to the direct Replacement of animal testing.

We view it as more realistic to adopt a step-by-step approach in which different technologies are tested side-by-side (in parallel) to generate data on the same research topic. Researchers need to determine the limitations, similarities, differences, and strengths of the various research approaches, and the best way to achieve this is by directly comparing them. If possible this direct comparison should also include human clinical data (historical data for backwards validation but also new data). The goal is not to decide which approach is superior, but to analyze how methods complement or contradict one another.

Of course, the ultimate aim remains to Replace animal testing—guided by data. For this project we are directly collaborating with associated scientists.

Project information: Dr. Jeffrey Bajramovic, j.j.bajramovic@uu.nl

As part of our collaboration with the EU COST action IMPROVE, we are investigating how biomedical researchers, and journal editors, perceive in vitro and in vivo data when assessing physiological relevance. Is interspecies extrapolation (from e.g. in vivo data from rodents to the in vivo situation in a human) more trustworthy than intermethod extrapolation (from e.g. in vitro data from humans to the in vivo situation in humans)? We plan to perform a detailed query and aim to analyze and publish the results when finished.

Project information: Solène Feyzi, s.feyzi@uu.nl, Dr. Jeffrey Bajramovic, j.j.bajramovic@uu.nl

To protect animal welfare as much as possible during experiments, precise indicators called ‘humane endpoints’ have been defined. A humane endpoint is defined as the earliest indicator in an animal experiment of (potential) pain and/or distress that can be used to avoid or limit pain and/or distress by taking actions such as humane killing or terminating or alleviating the pain and distress. Humane endpoints provide important guidelines to Refine experimental animal use.

This informative website is designed to teach researchers, biotechnicians, and veterinarians about humane endpoints: how to define and recognize them in their laboratory animals, and how to act accordingly. In addition to the website, an associated e-learning module is offered.

The content of the website is partially publicly accessible and partially accessible after registration, but always free of charge. We are currently working on the website, which is widely consulted, to give it a substantive textual as well as a visual update.

Project information: Dr. Melissa van Velthoven,  m.j.j.vanvelthoven@uu.nl

Supported by: Triodos Foundation

A ‘Culture of Care’ for research with experimental animals encompasses topics related to animal welfare, scientific quality and transparency, but also extends to care of human staff. A Culture of Care means going beyond what is enforced by law to ensure compassion and respect for laboratory animals, as well as of the staff using them.

The 3RCU collaborates with local animal facilities to promote this idea, as well as with a cross-European initiative called TOGETH3R (started by the NC3RS). Together we have hosted a webinar series, designed for animal care staff at all levels, to explore the Culture of Care in research settings. Accompanying case studies provide scenarios for team discussions or self-reflection, helping staff apply the concepts in their daily work.

Project information: Dr. Jeffrey Bajramovic, j.j.bajramovic@uu.nl

Our goal is to make the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs) accessible and engaging for a broad audience. By keeping our LinkedIn page and website updated with the latest advancements and success stories, we aim to inspire and support the adoption of the 3Rs and NAMs. Through clear and impactful communication, we connect science with the public, helping to drive the implementation of ethical and innovative research practices.

Project information: Anastasia Kondratyeva, a.kondratyeva@uu.nl, Sjoukje van de Kolk, s.a.c.vandekolk@uu.nl, Dr. Jeffrey Bajramovic, j.j.bajramovic@uu.nl