Michael Hottiger

SGV Meeting 2026 · Scientific Programme

CHUV, Lausanne

• 24 November 2026 · 16:50The Future of Animal Research: From One-Size-Fits-All Debates to Tailored Alternatives and Evidence-Based Regulation
  Abstract

  Public and political debates surrounding animal experimentation are often framed as a binary choice between continuation and prohibition. In reality, the scientific and regulatory landscape is far more nuanced. Animal studies span diverse fields, from basic research and translational medicine to safety assessment and regulatory testing. Consequently, replacement cannot rely on a single universal solution but requires precision replacement strategies that align specific scientific questions with validated new approach methodologies (NAMs).

  This presentation examines the current landscape of replacement in Switzerland and internationally, including political initiatives and evolving regulatory frameworks in Europe and the United Kingdom. Rather than advocating blanket bans before robust alternatives are available, increasing evidence supports implementing validated NAMs where they provide equivalent or scientific value and progressively phasing out animal procedures accordingly. The talk highlights how successful replacement depends on scientific rigor, transparency, and context-specific evaluation. While substantial progress has been made in toxicology and drug discovery, other research areas, such as disease modeling, remain scientifically challenging. Ultimately, the future of animal research will depend on targeted replacement strategies, evidence-based regulations, continued innovation in NAMs, and sustained collaboration among researchers, regulators, industry, and policymakers.