{"id":39676,"date":"2023-12-07T08:01:15","date_gmt":"2023-12-07T07:01:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/proefdiervrij.nl\/uncategorized\/hoogtepunten-2023"},"modified":"2023-12-15T08:41:56","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T07:41:56","slug":"highlights-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.proefdiervrij.nl\/en\/updates\/highlights-2023","title":{"rendered":"Our highlights of 2023: there were many, but we picked nine"},"content":{"rendered":"

This year we have once again taken significant steps towards that one ultimate goal; that fantastic moment when animal-free science becomes a reality and we can dissolve ourselves. At the end of this eventful year, we’d like to take you through some highlights. There were many, but we chose nine <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

1. Former lab dog Lola shone in our campaign alongside animal-free researchers.<\/h2>\n<\/div>

Most laboratory animals never get a name, but the friendly young beagle Lola, found a loving home with Mascha after her “career” in a laboratory. She continued her life, which began in the service of science, in a place where her intrinsic value is recognized. Something she gladly exploits, as even though Mascha set up a warm bed for her, Lola prefers to cuddle up with her owner in bed. And, faced with that adorable face, who could say no?<\/p>\n

Animal testing: a thing of the past<\/b><\/p>\n

Lola not only received a name, but also made a name for herself. Last year, she starred in our campaign, “Dierproeven. Niet meer van deze tijd<\/em>.<\/a>” She did this with very special co-stars, namely Dr. Katja Wolthers and Dr. Abdoel El Ghalbzouri, two passionate animal-free researchers with whom we have been working happily for years. Together, they motivated a whopping 15,058 people to sign a petition urging politicians to truly invest in scientific research without animal testing.<\/p>\n

Animals and scientists in the spotlight<\/b><\/p>\n

The campaign allowed us to put animals and scientists on the same stage and show what is a daily reality for us: that scientists share our dream of animal-free science and tirelessly dedicate themselves to it. For our mission, for animals like Lola. And, of course, it was heartwarming to see Lola representing all those animals that would also like a warm bed (or a king-size bed) but unfortunately live in the anonymity of a laboratory.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\"Debby<\/span><\/div><\/div>
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‘The campaign with Lola, Abdoel, and Katja beautifully brought together animals and science. The courage with which Abdoel and Katja stood in front of the camera once again proves that times are changing.’ \u2013 Debby Weijers, director<\/em>\u00a0Proefdiervrij <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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2. The National Growth Fund allocated \u20ac125 million for animal-free innovation.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>

In the aftermath of the wonderful campaign with Lola, the following happened, which should not be missing from the highlights of 2023: the National Growth Fund<\/em><\/a> reserved \u20ac125 million for a New Center for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation, an initiative of Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). It was a crown on years of campaigning for more funding for animal-free innovation.<\/p>\n

Accelerated transition to animal-free innovations<\/b><\/p>\n

The new center will focus on accelerating the transition to animal-free biomedical innovations. The fact that the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality decided to submit this proposal is not surprising: an accelerated transition to animal-free biomedical research results in both economic and societal gains, leading to safer, more effective treatments with less animal suffering. The fact that this fantastic amount was actually reserved was not only a highlight of 2023 but also the deferred result of years of hard campaigning.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

3. We were the voice of animals in places that matter.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>

Achieving animal-free science is not a solo effort, that’s clear. That’s why collaborations are central to our work, and it’s wonderful when new doors open. In 2023, we found new platforms where we could be the voice of animals and advocate for animal-free innovation.<\/p>\n

Opening story Humane Measurement Models<\/strong><\/p>\n

We were super honored when the Humane Measurement Models<\/a> research program asked us to open their program day. The companies, health organizations, and researchers of Humane Measurement Models aim to contribute to more effective health research through public-private collaborations, ensuring that people become less dependent on animal research. Once a year, they organize a program day for all involved parties to exchange knowledge. A breakthrough in kidney research, for example, may also have unexpected relevance for brain research, but you need to know that. Proefdiervrij is involved in eight of the twelve projects within Humane Measurement Models.<\/p>\n

The reason we considered it a highlight to open this day is that, as an animal welfare organization, we were the first to speak in a room full of people deeply immersed in the subject. Moreover, we understand that the name Humane Models of Measurement sounds more neutral and appeals to a broader audience than the term animal-free. Our director Debby Weijers opened the day with a unifying message: look for similarities, don’t emphasize differences. Together, we bring animal-free science\u2014or: science with humane measurement models\u2014a bit closer.<\/p>\n

Representatives of the Netherlands at Lush<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lush is a large international brand dedicated to producing sustainable and cruelty-free cosmetic products such as soap, bath bombs, makeup, and body lotion. Every year, the scientific branch of Lush, responsible for product development, organizes a congress. This year, we were asked to talk during a session about the state of affairs, discussing how far the Netherlands has come in the transition to animal-free science and our role as an NGO.<\/p>\n

Our director Debby gave her talk from the office since the conference was fully online. Still, it was amazing that we were part of it. For such a large global congress where all major players are present, it’s already cool that a small country is represented. But of all the parties in the Netherlands working on the animal-free transition, we were asked to represent that small country, making it extra special. A wonderful platform to tell our story and establish new connections for future collaborations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Een bericht gedeeld door Stichting Proefdiervrij (@proefdiervrij)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n