The 3Rs Centre Utrecht (research institute dedicated to promoting animal-free alternatives) has launched a campaign against the use of Fetal Calf Serum (FCS). This serum is used in scientific research to grow cells. To obtain fetal calf serum, the blood of live unborn calves is used. There are major ethical and scientific concerns about the use of FCS. We therefore wholeheartedly support the 3Rs Centre Utrecht’s campaign.
Are you a researcher, and do you work FCS-free or do you want to develop an FCS alternative?
Illogical to use animal serum in human research
Fetal calf serum is used in scientific research to grow cells. Without a substance that makes the cells grow, they only survive in a culture dish for a short period of time. Ffetal calf serum is therefore also sometimes used in research that is otherwise animal-free, to keep human cells alive and growing.
But, as the 3Rs Centre also highlights in their campaign, it is completely illogical to use fetal calf serum in research involving human cells. This is why Proefdiervrij prefers not to fund animal-free research projects that use FCS.
Fetal calf serum must disappear as soon as possible
As far as we are concerned, fetal calf serum should disappear as soon as possible. We believe in science and especially in non-animal science. Fortunately, with today’s knowledge, research without the use of fetal calf serum is strongly preferred, also within the scientific community. There is increasing evidence that the use of FCS is unethical and unnecessary for research.
Fortunately, there are many alternatives. One of these alternatives is a culture medium that is not made of animal material, but of artificial material. Researchers at Utrecht University have even created a database listing all alternatives to fetal calf serum (https://fcs-free.org/).
Important step towards animal-free future
The 3Rs Centre Utrecht campaign is an important step towards a laboratory animal-free future. It calls on researchers to take responsibility for their research and choose animal-free alternatives. If we all work together, we can create a world where science and animal welfare go hand in hand.
Apply for funding for your animal and FCS-free research
Are you a researcher working on animal-free and FCS-free research? Or are you developing an animal-free alternative to FCS? Then apply for your funding with us!
