The aim of the project is to create a versatile organoid-on-a-chip platform for dogs that replaces animal testing. The focus is on the gastrointestinal tract and related organs.
Finding Alternative Methods to Animal Testing
The Austrian Science Fund (FWF) has approved seven projects in the third round of the Alternative Methods to Animal Testing funding program. The findings of the new research projects will help find methods to replace animal experiments in research, further reduce their use, or minimize animal suffering.
A total of 31 researchers from seven different research institutions submitted proposals, with a total application volume of €11.6 million. The FWF approved seven of these applications for funding, with a total volume of around €2.7 million. Projects were chosen for their excellent scientific quality on the basis of an international review.
Fourth call for applications starts in February 2024
The funding program is open to researchers from all disciplines and funds projects that make a significant contribution to the discovery and development of alternative methods. The program is based on the 3Rs principle described by Russel and Burch: The aim is to develop research and testing methods that completely replace animal testing (replacement), reduce the number of animals used (reduction), or minimize the animals’ pain and distress (refinement).
The program is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF). Funding for projects that exceed the BMBWF budget is provided by the FWF. The fourth call for applications for the program will open on February 12 and run until May 13, 2024.
