Animal-free science aims of National Committee
The Netherlands National Committee for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes () has made a video in which president Henk Smit and member Wim de Leeuw (also head of the Animal Welfare Body Utrecht) explain the aims and ways of the committee. Smit explains how 3Rs policy and stimulation of animal-free research are key to the activities of the NCad, and how the committee connects to several parties to do this in cooperation. De Leeuw elaborates on Target Images of scientific domains.
Paradigm shift
In 2016 the committee recommended a multidisciplinary strategy aimed at reducing the use of animals in experimental procedures during the coming years. This triggered quite a response. Many scientists were asking questions, especially about the possible negative effects on scientific output. Smit explains that there is no date on which animal testing should end. The goal of the committee is to accelerate the paradigm shift from animal experiments towards animal-free innovations as the gold standard.
National and local TPI
Smit also discusses how TPI came about, the . It was installed by the Dutch government, based on an NCad . National TPI triggered the installment of TPI Utrecht, when the Life Sciences Deans proposed to support the transition from Utrecht academy.
Target Images of domains
De Leeuw explains the idea behind the so called Target Images, which describe animal-free transition objectives of a specific scientific domain. They evolve from cooperation and debate within a diverse group of representatives from that domain. A Target Image aims at decreasing the use of experimental animals with the same or improved research quality, and makes clear what the possibilities and impossibilities are.
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