Policy on research with(out) animals

Amsterdam UMC is committed to replace animal testing with animal-free research where possible. Check our Amsterdam UMC policy on animal testing. Models and techniques to replace animal testing are continually improving and we hope to rely less and less on animal testing in the coming years. However, animal testing is still necessary for studying many diseases and developing new medications. Animals at Amsterdam UMC receive careful treatment as stipulated by the law on animal testing (WOD). In compliance with the WOD, both Amsterdam UMC locations have an institutional license to perform experiments on animals. Moreover, for each project responsible researchers have to apply for a project license at the Central Authority for Scientific Procedures on Animals (CCD). Project permission is based on ethical assessment by an independent local committee of experts known as the Animal Ethics Committee (DEC).