Forum
Since 2011, Animalfree Research has held an annual forum that addresses questions about animal experimentation and alternatives to it. The event is a meeting point for researchers, students, politicians, scientists and animal welfare enthusiasts. With presentations by experts and discussions between the participants, we facilitate the transfer of knowledge and build bridges between research and the public.
The next forum will take place on 10th November 2025.
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.
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