Calls for tender seek experts for training tools on alternatives to animal testing

The European Commission has recently launched open calls for tender inviting experts to develop eLearning tools to facilitate uptake of non-animal alternative approaches in science.

The JRC's European Union Reference Laboratory for the Validation of Alternative Methods (EURL ECVAM) is collaborating closely with Directorate General Environment who is leading the initiative.

The aim is to engage experts to design and produce eLearning modules to provide interactive instruction to students and professionals involved in lab animal use undertaking specific tasks required under Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, and in the development of alternative methods.

Tender applicants should have a good knowledge of Directive 2010/63/EU, and in the field of 3Rs and alternative methods. In addition they should be able to provide technical skills needed for the development of multimedia training resources.

Several modules will be created under the two contracts and will provide training enabling animal users to fully apply the 3Rs in their day-to-day work (replacement, reduction and refinement of animal use), which is a legal obligation under the Directive, and employ best practices when developing methods.

Under the call: Promoting alternatives to animal testing through the development of eLearning tools to facilitate uptake of non-animal alternatives The modules will cover:

• Best practice on searching for, and identification of, existing alternative non-animal methods and approaches; and
• Development of new alternative approaches for regulatory use.

And under the call: Promoting alternatives to animal testing through the development of eLearning tools for Directive 2010/63/EU The modules will cover:

• Design of procedures and projects;
• Evaluation of projects; and
• How to implement the previously-established severity assessment framework within projects using live animals.

Professional course providers will be able to include these open access modules in their existing training, aimed at the entire animal user community and authorities tasked with project evaluation and inspections, as well as students and researchers involved in the development of alternative methods.

Background

In 2016 the JRC carried out a study to build an inventory of 3Rs knowledge sources and to identify how 3Rs knowledge is shared. Findings demonstrated that although much 3Rs knowledge exists, its sharing can be improved especially between different fields of expertise through better coordination, communication and outreach, and by improvement of 3Rs Education and training opportunities. In accordance with this key conclusion EURL ECVAM and DG Environment have several ongoing projects which will support education and training in 3Rs.

Related Content

Inventory of 3Rs knowledge sources