Expanding non-animal model research

Until now, development of non-animal alternatives has almost exclusively focused on toxicology and safety testing, whereas research into translational problems has mainly addressed experimental design issues. This leaves a critical gap in competence and efforts: development, customization and critical analysis of innovative non-animal models for biomedical research.

REMODEL aims to address this gap by bringing together internationally leading research at the universities of Utrecht, Copenhagen and Wuerzburg with the widening institution IBMC-i3S that has the potential for expanding non-animal model research and to develop a national knowledge centre for the Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal experimentation.

REMODEL combines the existing local expertise in bioengineering with that of partners at the frontline in developing organoids and other advanced in vitro systems, manipulating them to fit specific purposes and validating their use as models for infection, cancer and tissue regeneration research. This will build capacity at the widening institution to work with innovative model systems that can replace animal experiments and increase their translational relevance. A close dialogue with clinical and industry collaborators in REMODEL will ensure the creation and strengthening of a research capacity which will serve a range of R&D stakeholders at the national and European level and which holds the potential to attract industry collaborations in preclinical drug testing.

Through complementary expertise and focus on innovation, REMODEL will build a strong foundation for future joint research projects and funding applications within the consortium. Therefore, REMODEL will impact the widening institution by raising its research excellence, international visibility and attractiveness. Owing to the intimate relation and commitment between the consortium members, this impact will also disseminate towards the other partners, thus globally contributing to high standards in research and training across the EU.