Empowering students to promote the Three Rs in education
The mandate of the EU Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM), as set out in the EU legislation for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, includes promoting the uptake of non-animal approaches and the application of the Three Rs (reduction, replacement and refinement) in science. Education and training activities are fundamental to this goal.
Since 2017, the JRC Summer School on Non-Animal Approaches in Science has taken place every two years, providing early-career researchers an opportunity to delve into and connect over non-animal approaches in research and testing. Despite the significant impact the summer school is having, there is scope for more continuous activities to engage communities of young scientists to influence the future of biomedical research.
To address this, EURL ECVAM initiated the student ambassador project, first introduced to master’s students in toxicology from the Karolinska Institute, as well as to participants of the EUROoCS Summer School in 2024. These gatherings led to the formation of the first group of eight student ambassadors from various parts of Europe.
Since then, these master’s and PhD student ambassadors have given presentations to fellow students in Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy, Romania, Finland, Germany, and Sweden, educating them about in vitro, ex vivo, and in silico techniques. The outreach efforts have heightened awareness about the scientific and ethical importance of human-relevant, animal-free research, motivating many students to undertake thesis projects focused on non-animal methods as a result.
The initiative has also been highlighted at numerous international events during 2025, including the fifth edition of the JRC Summer School on Non-Animal Approaches in Science, the 13th World Congress on Alternatives to Animal Use in the Life Sciences (WC13) in Brazil, the 3Rs Genova Summer School in Italy, and the Young TPI Annual Meeting in the Netherlands, receiving substantial acclaim and interest.
The Student Ambassadors inspire future scientists
The ambassador project aims to disseminate knowledge and raise awareness about non-animal approaches among university students, building a growing network of student ambassadors who can share information with their peers, and inspire new generations to develop, use, teach, and advance alternatives to animal testing, promoting ethical, sustainable, and innovative scientific practices.
Fostering a Paradigm Shift
Ultimately the ambassador project aims to promote alternatives to animal testing fostering a paradigm shift in the university faculty, shaping a culture of innovation and ethical research by integrating non-animal approaches into curricula, advocating for updated course content, and supporting the development of training programs that equip future scientists with the skills and knowledge to advance non animal approaches in science.
Student Ambassador network and activities
The student ambassador network seeks to advance non-animal approaches and the Three Rs through some key initiatives and activities which include:
- Establish a partnership with the Global Education Hub (GEH) to develop a webinar series about non-animal approaches and co-organise the project’s first conference
- Formation of a world-wide network of master’s and PhD students actively promoting non-animal approaches and the Three Rs
- Increase the visibility of non-animal approaches and the Three Rs in academic curricula and research projects
- Creation of a sustainable framework for continued peer-to-peer training and mentorship
How do I become a Student Ambassador?
Ambassadors must be university students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) to join the team. We’re looking for highly motivated individuals passionate about promoting non-animal approaches. We expect our ambassadors to be committed to regular meetings, awareness-raising activities, and project material development, with a strong focus on communication and teamwork.
Are you interested in joining the growing community?
Learn more about the student ambassador project by contacting us!