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Critical uncertainties in preclinical research: Navigating trust, technology, and ethics
Indrek Heinla1,2, Vootele Voikar3, Hilary Gates4
1University of Tartu, Institute of Psychology, Näituse 2, 50409, Tartu, Estonia.
Neuroscience Applied
|April 21, 2026
Summary
European preclinical research faces scrutiny, pushing for New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). A workshop explored balancing NAMs with animal research, aiming for ethical oversight and scientific integrity.
Area of Science:
- Preclinical Research
- Animal Welfare
- Biomedical Ethics
Background:
- European preclinical research faces increasing scientific, ethical, and political pressure.
- Researchers are urged to justify in vivo studies and adopt New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the future of animal research in Europe.
- To identify risks and opportunities in the transition towards NAMs and ethical oversight.
Main Methods:
- A Strategic Foresight Workshop was conducted by COST Action CA20135 (TEATIME).
- The workshop involved examining future scenarios for animal research in Europe.
Main Results:
- Scenarios reveal risks: over-regulation, outsourcing to countries with weaker standards, and erosion of research quality.
- Opportunities exist to combine validated NAMs with high-quality in vivo work under robust ethical oversight.
Conclusions:
- Advocates for evidence-based, transparent, and internationally aligned regulation.
- Emphasizes protecting both animal welfare and the scientific value of preclinical research.
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