To quickly make laboratory animals redundant, we need to replace them with alternative, human-centred models. This is why we support scientists that conduct animal-free research; not only with a financial contribution, but also with advice and guidance.
We support research with a financial contribution
In 2010 we decided to change our course. Instead of demonstrating against research with laboratory animals, we started collaborating with scientists that conducted animal-free research. To this end we set up the Fonds Proefdiervrij Onderzoek in 2009: this fund is managed by us and consists of donations from our supporters. Since the start of this fund, we have significantly contributed to the development of animal-free research models.
We bring animal-free models to the market with our Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge
On top of financial support, we also offer advice and guidance to scientists that (want to) do animal-free research. One example is the Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge, a programma that includes coaching sessions and bootcamps. With this challenge participants learn the skills they need to set up or expand a commercial business, which will increase and accelerate the impact of their research. We do this with the guidance of experts and experienced gamechangers, of course!
We inspire young scientists with the Hugo van Poelgeest Award
The Hugo van Poelgeest Award is a scientific award for animal-free research within the life sciences. The prize used to be awarded every four years by Stichting Bouwstenen voor Dierenwelzijn, but since 2019 it is awared every two years – additionally, we then joined the committee as well.
The award focuses on the new generation of scientists and wants to inspire them to continue working with animal-free models. Do you want to know if you are eligible for this award and when it will be presented? Then check this page!
We collaborate with ZonMw on the ‘More Knowledge with Fewer Animals’ programme
Since 2009 we have been working with ZonMw, the Dutch organisation for health research. Within the More Knowledge with Fewer Animals (MKMD) programme, we work together to enable animal-free research and to fund scientists wanting to do animal-free research.
This is an important collaboration; not only because together we can fund more animal-free research, but also because we can connect parties and thereby accelerate the use of humane models in practice.