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Shaping the future of animal experimentation and 3R research in Switzerland – investigating transition strategies

What does the future hold for animal experimentation and 3R research in Switzerland? What strategies are available, and what are their advantages and disadvantages? How are the EU and the US developing in this area, and what impact will this have on Switzerland?

Beginn27.11.2025 12:00
Ende27.11.2025 16:00
OrtPROGR - Zentrum für Kulturproduktion, Bern
Zentrum für Kulturproduktion Aula Waisenhausplatz 30 3011 Bern
Webseitehttps://www.progr.ch
Anmeldefrist16.11.2025

The "NRP 79 – Advancing 3R" is organising a scientific symposium on the future of animal-based research and 3R research in Switzerland. The event is aimed at representatives from research, administration, industry, politics, NGOs and other interested individuals.

The event has two goals:

  • The topic of transition planning is discussed in the context of a scientific symposium (room for reflection, proactive approach).
  • The symposium shows the importance of this topic, contributes to its contextualization and shows how the topic is linked at European and international level.

Selected research teams from Switzerland and the EU will be presenting their research findings. In the subsequent discussion rounds, the results will be analysed and placed in a broader context. The event will cover three sessions: (I) Current situation in the EU and Switzerland, (II) transition in practice and (III) what's next.

The presentations will be held in English. Attendance is free of charge. The number of places is limited.

The symposium will be followed by a public event, organised by NRP 79 and science et cité. This event is aimed at a lay audience, the event will be held in German or Swiss German. Admission is free. Registration is not required.

wissenschaftscafé bern spezial, 18:00-19:30, Progr - Aula
Tierversuche in der Schweiz - ist ein Ende in Sicht?
More infos on this event: www.science-et-cite.chExternal Link Icon.

Programm

Session 1: Current situation in EU and Switzerland
13:00-13.05
Welcome
Prof. Herwig Grimm, President of the NRP 79 Steering committee
13:05-13.35
The transition towards animal-free science and regulations – Phasing in new approach methods (NAMs) and phasing out animal testing
Prof. Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga, Utrecht University
13.35-13.40
Input statement: EU Roadmap towards the phasing out of animal testing in chemical safety assessment
Elisabet Berggren, Deputy Head Unit Systems Toxicology, European Commission
13.40-13.45
Input statement: Phase-out strategies for animal experimentation: The Swiss political debate
Nico Müller, Postdoc, University of Basel, NRP 79 project leader
13.45-14.15
Discussion
Moderator: Herwig Grimm
Session 2: Transition in practice
14.15-14.30
The Hard and Winding Road to an Animal-Free Product
Prof. Thorsten Buch, University of Zurich, Member of the NRP 79 Steering committee
14.30-14.45
Presentation
Prof. Olivier Guenat, University of Bern, Member of the NRP 79 Steering committee
14:45-15:15
Break
15.15-15.30
Presentation
Tobias Schnitzer, Global Head of Comparative Medicine, Roche (tbd)
15.30-15.35
Input statement
Prof. Margot Michel, University of Zurich, Project leader NRP 79
15.35-15.40
Input statement
Naomi Bigler, Animal Experiments Unit, Swiss Animal Welfare STS
15.40-16.10
Discussion
Moderator: Herwig Grimm
Session 3: What's next
16.10-16.25
Next Steps - Turning Stakeholder Insights into Impact
Prof. Bernice Elger, University of Basel, NRP 79 project leader
16.25-16.40
A Future Without Animal Testing? Opportunities and Challenges from a Drug Regulatory Perspective
Elisabeth Klenke, Head Nonclinical Assessment and GLP Inspectorate, Swissmedic
16.40-16.55
Summary, Conclusions, Question marks
Otto Maissen, Head of Animal Testing and Evaluation, Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO); Jenny Sandström, Executive Director, Swiss 3R Competence Centre
16.55-17.00
Final remarks
Prof. Herwig Grimm
17:00-18.00
Apéro