An open letter calling on the European Commission and Member States to commit to creating an EU roadmap to accelerate the transition to animal-free science has been signed by 80 scientists from 14 European countries.

The scientists have also called for a co-ordinated European Research Area (ERA) initiative to support innovation, research infrastructure and knowledge-sharing to train and inspire scientists, educators, students and regulators in the use of non-animal approaches.

It would include concrete milestones, cross-sector support, dedicated funding and education and training initiatives to accelerate the transition to non-animal research, regulatory testing and education. Clear short, medium, and long-term actions would guide the accelerated adoption of innovative non-animal approaches while phasing-out animal-based methods.

The phasing-out of animal testing can offer more effective, accurate and humane solutions for biomedical research and regulatory testing. It is overwhelmingly supported by Members of the European Parliament and EU citizens, and is in line with the European Union’s objective to fully replace the use of animals in science. It has also been acknowledged by the European Commission, EU agencies, the cosmetics, chemical, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, the consumer good sector, and academia as an important step in tackling society’s health and environmental issues.

To improve both human health and environmental protection, it is essential to coordinate EU efforts and policies that facilitate and prioritise the transition to non-animal science in all EU research, innovation and education initiatives.

Our Director of Science, Emma Grange said: “We know that the public are on board with our goal of creating a world free from the use of animals in science, but to create that world we need researchers, academics, and experts to help transform that goal into reality. The fact that 80 scientists from across Europe have already signed this letter shows there is a willingness to drive that change. Animal-free science is the future, to get there we need support from across the public to the world of science and politicians too.”

The open letter can still be signed by EU academics and scientists via this Google doc.