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Welcome to the lab animal-free event of the year, great to have you here! During the Proefdiervrij Event 2025: Unlocking Potential we take you into the world of animal-free innovations and technologies. Scientists, companies and policymakers have come together today to create a future where science and compassion go hand in hand. Check out this page to see what awaits you today!
The program
The program for the (English) event is as follows:
- 13:00 – 13:30 Check-in
- 13:30 – 14:00 Opening by Debby Weijers (director of Proefdiervrij) & Wietske Veltman (alderman Leiden)
- 14:00 – 15:00 Breakout sessions with Fybrix, MAT Research and the 3Rs Centre
- 15:00 – 15:30 Break
- 15:30 – 16:55 Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge 2025: pitches and award ceremony
- 16:55 – 17:00 Closing by Anne Burgers
- 17:00 – 18:00 Drinks and networking
Dietary information: all snacks are vegan
Meet our speakers
Wietske Veltman has been the alderman for Economy, Knowledge, Sports and Health of the municipality of Leiden since January 2025. During the Proefdiervrij Event, Wietske will give a short speech about the motion that Leiden has adopted, in which the municipality indicates that it wants to play a pioneering role in the pursuit of an animal testing free city and society.
Dr. Melissa van Velthoven is project leader at the 3Rs Center Utrecht and will talk more about replacing animal products in in vitro models, such as FCS and Matrigel, during the Proefdiervrij Event.
Priscilla Kerkman is an experienced scientist with over 12 years of experience in human immunology. She now works at MAT Research on the (further) development of the MAT kit: an animal-free alternative to the Rabbit Pyrogen Test. During the Proefdiervrij Event, Priscilla will explain how this product came about.
What is the Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge?
During the Proefdiervrij Event, a prize will be awarded to the winning team of the Animal-Free Venture Challenge 2025. The four participating teams have been setting up their own companies for weeks. Under the guidance of GameChanger Challenge and Proefdiervrij, these animal-free researchers are coached in setting up their own company, in which they convert their scientific breakthrough in life sciences into a well-thought-out business case.
The Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge increases the impact of animal-free research, in order to accelerate the transition to an animal-free world. An important moment that we would like to pay attention to during the Proefdiervrij Event 2025.
The four participating teams are:
What you can do for world free of animal testing
We are convinced that one day, animals will no longer be needed thanks to the development and implementation of animal-free research. When we reach this day, there will of course be a big party – but there are many more achievements along the way that are worth celebrating.
During the Proefdiervrij Event, you will discover how close a world without animals actually is. By making progress visible and celebrating it, we create a positive movement that motivates action – whether you are a researcher, entrepreneur, policymaker or investor.
What can you do to make a difference? Here are some concrete ideas:
- Application = acceleration. Implement animal-free alternatives where possible – in research, innovation or product development. Every step counts.
- Education as leverage. Give students, colleagues and partners insight into the benefits and applicability of human-centered models. Interested in organizing a lecture or session together? Contact us!
- Sharing knowledge is multiplying impact. Make your expertise, tools or infrastructure accessible to others who are working on animal-free solutions.
- Use available databases. Check out suitable alternatives via platforms such as FCS-free.org and NAT-database.org.
- Participate in the Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge. Do you have an innovative idea for an animal-free model, but still need help building a business? We can help you get started with coaching and start-up capital.
- Collaborate with impact. We not only support financially, but also offer access to a network of pioneers – from academics to entrepreneurs. Discover the collaboration opportunities.
- Join our community and sign up for the LinkedIn group Animal Free Gallery.
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