ATLA::Alternatives to Laboratory Animals

Volume 30, Supplement 2

The future of ECVAM: a personal perspective

ATLA 30, Supplement 2, 239-241, 2002

Michael Balls

ECVAM, Institute for Health & Consumer Protection, European Commission Joint Research Centre, 21020 Ispra (VA), Italy

SUMMARY

Progress made in the practical application of the validation process is summarised, and some of the remaining problems are considered. Highlights of the first ten years of ECVAM are reviewed, and ECVAM's activities as a route of communication on the Three Rs are discussed. Finally, some suggestions are made for maintaining ECVAM's momentum in the future, especially in relation to the challenge and opportunity for alternative methods afforded by the new EU Chemicals Policy.

Keywords: alternatives, animal testing, chemicals testing, ECVAM, Three Rs