Perception and Power: Barriers to Animal-Free Research
Our 15th Forum on the barriers to animal-free research will take place on 10th November 2025 at the Volkshaus Zurich. It is aimed at all people interested in animal-free research and will be held in English. We accept registrations until 5th November 2025.
Forum 2025: Perception and Power – Barriers to Animal-Free Research
Modern research methods such as organoids, computer-based models, and organ-on-a-chip technologies have opened up innovative pathways that are often more precise, faster, and more human-relevant than animal experiments. Yet, despite their scientific promise, these approaches face persistent barriers to broader adoption.
These barriers are not merely technical. More decisive could be the invisible forces shaping the research landscape: institutional routines, entrenched economic interests, and deeply rooted societal narratives that continue to portray animal experiments as the scientific «gold standard».
This phenomenon, increasingly discussed as Animal Methods Bias, reflects a systematic preference for animal-based studies – in funding decisions, publications, and academic careers. Economic dependencies and the long-established industry surrounding animal research further reinforce this bias. Meanwhile, language and imagery in media and science communication still contribute to making alternatives less visible.
At the Forum 2025, Animalfree Research invites participants to explore these hidden barriers under the theme «Perception and Power: Barriers to Animal-Free Research».
Together with international experts, we will discuss:
What strategies are needed to overcome Animal Methods Bias and accelerate the transition to animal-free research?
What structural and economic interests stand in the way of animal-free innovations?
How can we shift narratives and communication practices to open space for change?
Programme
13:00 Arrival of participants
13:15 Welcome
Dr. Silvia Frey and Dr. Miriam Zemanova, Animalfree Research
13:30 Exposing Propaganda in Animal Experimentation
Prof. Núria Almiron, Pompeu Fabra University, Spain
14:15 Knowledge Diffusion: The Transformative Value of Education – Sharing the Ombion Experience
Prof. Daniela Salvatori, Utrecht University, Netherlands
15:00 Break with snacks and beverages
15:30 Addressing Reviewers’ Preference for Animal-Based Methods
Dr. Catharine E. Krebs, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, USA (online)
16:15 Unwilling, Unconsenting, and Unnecessary Research Subjects: Addressing Anthropocentric Bias in Journalistic Coverage Legitimizing the (Ab)Use of other Animals in Research
Prof. Carrie P. Freeman, Georgia State University, USA (online)
17:00 End of meeting
Chair: Dr. Miriam Zemanova
Target audience, language und registration
Our Forum addresses all those who concern themselves with animal experimentation, animal use in education and the 3R-concept. The Forum is taking place in English.
Fees and recognition
Attendance fee for covering expenses: 50 Swiss Francs (Students free of charge). The «Forum 2025» has been accredited by the Federation of Swiss Cantonal Veterinary Officers as a half-day of continuing education in Switzerland for experimenters and study directors.
Register for the Forum 2025
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Past events
Forum 2024: 3Rs - Progress or a Fig Leaf?
The 3Rs principles – Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement – were established over six decades ago as a guideline for the ethical use of animals in scientific research. The core idea is to replace animals with non-animal methods wherever possible, reduce the number of animals used to the minimum required for valid results, and refine experimental procedures and housing conditions to minimize suffering. Read meeting report
Forum 2023: Advancing personalized medicine with animal-free research
Personalized medicine is considered one of the most promising approaches for combating diseases that currently lack effective therapies or cures. It aims to provide each patient with the most efficient and secure course of therapy, considering their lifestyle, genes, and environment. Animal-free methods such as customised in-vitro models using human cells and tissues are key to the further development of personalised medicine. Read meeting report
Forum 2022: Transition to animal-free research
Recognizing the economic, scientific, and ethical benefits of animal-free methods, the strategy to phase out animal experiments has been accepted by both the scientific and regulatory communities. Thanks to the technical advances in recent years, full replacement of animal testing might be within our reach. Read meeting report
Forum 2021: No more secrets
Transparency is a value that is highly esteemed in our society, and it is crucial for encouraging active participation in democratic life. While a large portion of animal experiments is financially supported through public funding, the public often do not know what impact their taxes and donations have on animals used in research. Read meeting report
Forum 2020: A new gold standard
For a long time, the use of animals in research on human diseases and therapy developments has been considered a necessary evil. But animal experiments have proved to be costly, lengthy, unethical and not very effective. Read meeting report