Ten years ago (2016), the National Committee for the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes (NCad) published its first report advising the government on the transition to an animal-free society. Yesterday, on September 9, 2026, the second report followed: a reassessment and refinement of that initial version. Titled ‘From Niche to Norm’, the report calls for a decisive government approach to facilitate the transition, placing significant emphasis on the ethical aspects of animal testing. This aligns precisely with the position we outlined years ago in our impact plan (2025–2028). However, we also find something missing: a clear deadline for achieving that animal-free society. Read on.

A foreword

“From niche to norm.” Those words feel remarkably familiar to us. A few years ago, we reached the same conclusion in our own impact plan: simply developing new animal-free methods is not enough. They must be used, trusted, and validated. That is why we focus on precisely those three steps. We view it as a major step forward that the NCad, in its independent advisory role, now also states that the surrounding system must change to achieve this. It is now crucial that these recommendations do not merely remain on paper but are actually put into practice.

Key message of the advice

The NCad notes that a great deal has happened over the past decade, but emphasizes that more innovation alone will not lead to an animal-free society. The surrounding system must change. In doing so, the Committee examines the interplay between niche innovations, the existing system, and broader societal developments. The goal: ensuring that animal-free methods can evolve from a niche to standard practice. We recognize this strategy from the well-known ‘Theory of Change’—the steps required to bring about genuine change.

A strategy with 5 pillars

  • Governance & ownership. Establishing clearer leadership by appointing a specific ‘problem owner’ for each policy domain.
  • Ethical reflection. We now know more about the emotional lives of animals, the NCad notes; this calls for ethical and critical reflection.
  • Innovation and supply chain policy. Policy addressing the entire chain rather than isolated innovations.
  • International strategy. Acceptance and collaboration at an international level.
  • Monitoring. Going beyond merely counting animal experiments to measuring whether the system is actually changing.

Developing, using, and trusting

This strategy aligns with the vision we have held for years: not only developing new methods but also ensuring they are used, trusted, and ultimately standardized. While we focus on making 75% of biomedical science animal-free by 2030, the NCad aims for a broader ultimate goal—an animal-free society. However, a specific target date for this is not provided.

“For me, the most important part of the advice—aside from the focus on systemic change—is the re-evaluation of the ethical basis for animal testing. This acknowledges the intrinsic value of animals, which is a priority for us regardless.”

Debby Weijers, director

Key conclusion

In itself, this advice is excellent news. However, to set systemic change in motion, we need action. And that means translating these ideas into concrete policy, funding, education, and research. It is a complex challenge, given that neither a single individual (the researcher) nor a few successful innovations (science) can make the difference on their own; rather, the systemic barriers surrounding them must be dismantled.

What are the next steps?

We are incredibly energized by the report’s recommendations, many of which align with our own impact plan. It is now crucial that we work together with all stakeholders to further shape this transition. And because we already have strong connections with researchers working on animal-free methods, we are confident that by joining forces, we can give this transition a significant boost.

Call to action: Are you encountering obstacles in your research—such as regulations, funding, validation, assessment processes, or other barriers? Or do you see opportunities to accelerate the shift toward making animal-free research the standard? Please let us know. We would love to hear what you need to take the next step. Our policy advisor, Anne Burgers, is ready to consider all feedback and potentially incorporate it into our policy plans.

About Proefdiervrij
How we treat animals says something about who we are as a society. Especially when those animals are used in research intended to make people better. Proefdiervrij is working towards a world without animal testing by making human-centered, animal-free science visible and accelerating it.

That change is already underway. Increasingly, animal testing is being replaced by human-centered models that better show what happens inside the human body. Yet, animal testing often remains the standard. With 2030 as the target, we are working towards a tipping point where animal-free methods are the norm. In this way, we help let go of what no longer fits and build research that helps people, without using animals unnecessarily.

It is time for humanity. The future is animal-free!