JRC launches review of models and methods used in cardiovascular research

Cardiovascular diseases affect over 60 million people in Europe and are the leading cause of death, claiming nearly 2 million lives every year. The Commission is responding with its European Cardiovascular Health Plan, which includes a key objective on research and innovation and aligns with the Council’s call for more focus on prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation.

This thematic review is the first of its kind to be undertaken by the Commission in implementing EU legislation on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. The thematic review involves a partnership between the JRC and the Commission department for environment, responsible for EU actions for the protection of animals in science. The review will also feed into the new European Research Area (ERA) action on ‘new approach methodologies’ proposed by the Commission in its recently published Life Science Strategy.

A study undertaken by the JRC’s EU Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM) showed that progressive research strategies to develop safe and efficacious therapies against cardiovascular diseases are embracing innovative non-animal methods that can better recapitulate human biology.

Most of these approaches are based on computer modelling and simulation (in silico), cells and tissues cultured in the laboratory (in vitro), and cells or tissues explanted from an organism (ex vivo).

Recently too, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has proposed in its concept paper to develop guidance for regulatory acceptance of ‘micro physiological systems’, including ‘organ-on-chip' models, for specific contexts of use in the pharmaceutical area.

Objectives of the review to be undertaken include:

Assisting researchers in finding and using non-animal approaches to address scientific questions and aims in cardiovascular research;
Improving the human relevance and health/clinical outcomes of scientific results;
Reducing the number of animals used in cardiovascular research and their suffering where scientific evidence is lacking to support their use;
Supporting researchers and project evaluators in complying with legal requirements associated with using animals for scientific purposes;

Another important goal is to increase knowledge sharing and encourage more cross-disciplinary collaboration among stakeholders in the cardiovascular research community.

Call for experts

The review will be supported by an expert sub-group of the EURL ECVAM Scientific Advisory Committee (ESAC) and will also include consultations with stakeholders and other experts in the field.

The JRC is looking for experts to join the ESAC sub-group.

Interested candidates should have in-depth knowledge of one or more fields of cardiovascular research, significant experience with applying animal-based and/or non-animal-based models and methods in research studies, and a well-established profile supported by peer-reviewed publications in reputable scientific journals. Applications can be submitted by following the instructions for the Continuously Open Call for Applications for the selection of members of the sub-groups operating under the ESAC.

The deadline for applications is 31 January 2026 (midnight). Any queries related to application can be sent to JRC-ECVAM-ESACec [dot] europa [dot] eu (JRC-ECVAM-ESAC[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu).

Call for evidence

The JRC is also seeking scientific evidence to inform the review and is calling on researchers and stakeholders knowledgeable in the field to submit relevant information.

This could include, for example, scholarly reviews on the state of non-animal models and methods in cardiovascular research, successful or unsuccessful cases of development, application and translation of specific research approaches, and examples of reduction or replacement of animals with alternative methods in particular research contexts.

Contributions can be submitted through the dedicated EU Survey, by 31 January 2026 (midnight).