Virologist Giulia Moreni is a true pioneer in the field of animal-free innovations: in addition to the Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge of 2023, Giulia also won the prestigious Hugo van Poelgeest Award in 2024. In her research, she uses organoids: mini-organs that are grown in the lab and offer a promising alternative to animal testing. In doing so, she lays the foundation for safer and human-oriented medical innovations.
What drives Giulia to choose this innovative approach? In Drijfveren, we discover what motivates her to transform science into an animal-free future.
From curiosity to passion
Giulia, originally from Italy, started her career without a clear plan. “I started with biology because I found the subjects interesting, not because I had a specific goal in mind. It was only during my studies that I really became enthusiastic about science.”
An international experience in India in the field of regenerative medicine proved to be the deciding factor. “That’s where I discovered my love for research and knew that I wanted to continue with a PhD.”
From there, Giulia gained hands-on experience with organoids while working in Italy on cancer immunology. “When I first heard about organoids, I knew this was what I wanted to do. Not only are they an ethical alternative to animal models, they are also incredibly innovative. They allow us to study diseases and explore new treatments in ways that animal models simply cannot.”
Her search for the right opportunity eventually led her to the Netherlands, where she further pursued her passion for organoid research in the field of virology.
An ethical and scientific choice
Giulia’s work not only strives for scientific progress, but also for a positive impact for both humans and animals. “At first, I was not very aware of the ethical issues surrounding animal testing. Like many others, I accepted it as the norm. Over time I realized, not only that there are better alternatives, but also that these alternatives often yield more relevant results,” Giulia explains.
“Doctors cure patients, which is of course important, but their resources are often limited to existing medicines. With my work, I hope to lay the foundation for new treatments and medicines that have not yet been discovered.”
Obstacles and breakthroughs
Giulia does notice that not everyone feels the same way. “Many researchers and policymakers are resistant to change. My scientific articles are often criticized because I don’t use animal models. The system makes you believe that animal models are essential, but that’s just not true. But if you persevere and do a good job, people will eventually recognize the value of your results.”
That recognition became even more apparent when she unexpectedly won the Hugo van Poelgeest Award of 2024. “It gave me a sense of confirmation. Personally, it gave me a boost in self-confidence and professionally it felt like a responsibility. It motivates me to continue and further increase the visibility of animal-free research.”
Making a difference with animal-free research
Giulia’s ambition extends beyond her current research. “I dream of developing a treatment or medicine that really makes a difference for patients. All completely animal-free, of course. Whether it’s a breakthrough in personalized medicine or a service that accelerates the drug development process. I strive to make an impact.”
She is also interested in entrepreneurship. In 2023, Giulia won the Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge together with her team VEO. “Winning the Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge helped me see myself as a potential entrepreneur. It showed us that our product could go beyond a concept. The process was intense, but incredibly rewarding. Winning showed me that I could actually enter the entrepreneurial world if I wanted to, it gave me the confidence to think: I can do this!”
Stay curious and step outside your comfort zone
Finally, Giulia emphasizes the importance of awareness. “Many researchers, especially in traditional academic settings, are not exposed to animal-free alternatives. They are taught that animal models are the gold standard, leaving little room for exploration. My advice is: trust your instincts and don’t compromise on your dreams. If you know what you want, be patient and wait for the right opportunities. Also, appreciate the people who support and encourage you: they are crucial to your growth. And stay open to new experiences. That’s how we move forward.”
