National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) promotes health and a safe and healthy living environment by acquiring knowledge through scientific research. Find out more on the RIVM website.

3R policy and animal-free innovations

RIVM is closely involved with research and policy recommendations to limit the use of animal studies. This is based on its 3R policy: Reduction of the number of animal studies, Replacement with suitable alternatives and Refinement by reducing the distress experienced by laboratory animals.

With regard to the TPI, RIVM has formulated a  ‘Roadmap animal-free innovations in regulatory safety assessment’. This roadmap proposes an animal-free safety assessment of substances. The RIVM roadmap has been drawn up in consultation with stakeholders in the Dutch private sector, civil society organisations, assessment bodies, government organisations and knowledge institutions.

Within the TPI, RIVM is involved with:

• the innovation network for an information portal about animal-free innovation
• the innovation network for a virtual human for safety assessments
• the innovation network for a safe harbour for plant protection products
• the innovation network for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs)