Vision on laboratory animals
Why this vision?
At Erasmus MC, we are collectively committed to a healthy population and excellent academic healthcare through research and education. We have strong fundamental and clinical research and state-of-the-art technologies, including facilities for working with in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. In addition, we have access to many patients, including those with complex health conditions, and a large-scale infrastructure for population-based research. We work with relevant cohorts ranging from preconception to old age that are followed over extended periods. Animal research is an essential link in translating laboratory breakthroughs into solutions for patients in the clinic. All of this allows us to excel in research “from molecule to population.”
In this context, an integrated vision is indispensable. Erasmus MC must be able to clearly explain:
- When and why laboratory animals are necessary to achieve scientific and medical
breakthroughs. - When and how alternatives are equally valuable or even superior.
- How both approaches reinforce each other and together contribute to scientific quality and
societal responsibility.
Objective
Erasmus MC focuses on unraveling the mechanisms underlying health and disease and translating this knowledge into innovative interventions. Fundamental and clinical researchers work closely together, enabling translational research to more rapidly contribute to improved treatments. Whether addressing rare diseases, common conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, or health problems related to infections and climate‑related risks, Erasmus MC is committed to solutions that truly matter.
The future of scientific research calls for a careful balance: animal experiments where necessary, combined with innovative alternatives to limit animal use. Research using animal‑free alternatives and research involving animals complement each other to ensure high‑quality science both now and in the future.
The objective of Erasmus MC is to refine, reduce where possible, and replace animal experiments (the 3Rs), without compromising scientific progress. We improve existing animal experiments to prioritise animal welfare and optimise the quality of research data. Simultaneously, we stimulate the development, validation, and implementation of innovative methods such as in silico models and 3D tissue culture technologies, steadily working towards animal‑free alternatives.
Erasmus MC opts for a broad research approach: from fundamental to translational, from preclinical to clinical. We achieve this by connecting researchers and actively promoting collaboration between universities, pharmaceutical companies, and technology partners. In this way, we create an integrated research landscape where knowledge sharing and innovation are central.
The 3Rs strategy as a compass
The 3Rs — Refinement, Reduction, and Replacement of animal experiments — form the ethical
and strategic framework for our decision‑making.
Refinement
When animal models are required, we conduct them at the highest level of quality and with
maximum attention to animal welfare. This entails:
- Continuous professional development of animal technicians and researchers;
- Improvements in housing, monitoring, and care;
- Refinement of techniques to minimise discomfort;
- Transparent protocols and quality assurance.
Reduction
We reduce animal use by:
- Improved statistical planning and use of power analyses;
- Data sharing and reuse of datasets;
- Multidisciplinary collaboration to prevent redundant research;
- Selecting models that achieve the same reliability using fewer animals.
Replacement
We replace animal experiments by:
- Investing in the development and validation of alternative models;
- Stimulating interdisciplinary research into new technologies;
- Collaborating with national and international partners to improve animal-free methods;
- Supporting researchers in designing alternative research strategies.
Transparency, ethics, and societal acceptance
Erasmus MC is transparent about animal research and provides patients and the public with insight into its necessity and practices. Alongside transparency about animal research, Erasmus MC actively develops and seeks animal‑free replacement methods and implements them whenever available.
Erasmus MC is a reliable partner in discussions on animal experimentation by demonstrating what is done in animal research and how essential it is within an academic setting. Erasmus MC also stands for the integrity of its researchers and research methods. We therefore endorse the Transparency Agreement of the Dutch Foundation for Information on Animal Experiments, as well as international collaboration through the European Animal Research Association (EARA).
