Committed to reinforcing motivation to implement and validate NonAMs, unifying stakeholders’ efforts, and overseeing the progress, the European Union (EU), via the European Commission (EC), has been at the forefront of promoting the 3R’s for over 30 years (Eur, 2024). The EC’s Horizon 2020 program, succeeded by Horizon Europe, has prompted the establishment of new research avenues which have contingently stimulated the development of NonAMs (Report From The Commission To, 2024). Within EC, the European Research Council (ERC) and the Joint Research Center (JRC) are strongly committed to advancing the 3R’s by providing funding and scientific advice and expertise, respectively. Further intensifying their focus on the 3R’s and NonAMs, the EC has consigned a workforce that will design a focused roadmap for reduce animal testing (Communication From The Commission on, 2023).

The JRC’s EU Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM) is committed to validating and promoting the 3R’s within the scientific community, offering knowledge databases and tools to support and educate scientists across the EU and beyond (Holloway et al., 2021). The European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA) aims to improve coordination between the EU and pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in alignment with the 3R’s (The European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing, 2023). The EU is also developing free e-learning modules through the Education and Training Platform in Laboratory Animal Science (ETPLAS) to promote effective animal research design and education in animal-free methods. Additionally, the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action 3R’s Concepts to Improve the Quality of Biomedical Science (IMPROVE, CA21139) focuses on optimizing Structural Funds Programs to enhance research and innovation policies (Ortega Argiles et al., 2023).

Besides these initiatives, there is an increasing amount of 3R’s, centers, associations, hubs, and organizational maps (The European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing, 2023; Johns Hopkins University Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, 2024; European Animal Research Association, 2022; European Society for Alternatives to Animal Testing, 2023; Norway’s National Consensus Platform for, 2016; European Medicines Agency, 2024; NC3Rs, 2024). Whether the emphasis is on knowledge-sharing through networking and databases or acknowledging the commitment of (young) scientists to the 3R’s, the overarching goal remains clear: bringing researchers together for a future free of laboratory animals.

In the Netherlands in 2016, the Nationaal Comité advies dierproevenbeleid (NCad) was tasked to formulate a roadmap for phasing out animal testing procedures (Koëter et al., 2016). One of the recommendations advised the Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuur en Voedselkwaliteit (LNV, translated: Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) to take a guiding role in the process by creating an interdepartmental management group. This led to the inception of the Transitie Proefdiervrije Innovatie (TPI) program, focusing on promoting innovation and the gradual acceptance of NonAMs.

The transition towards animal-free innovations can be seen through the lens of transition science. The Multilevel Perspective (MLP, Supplementary Figure S1) proposes that change occurs at different levels, such as technology, market, regulations, and societal norms (Geels, 2011). MLP helps to understand that the transition towards animal-free requires new technologies, new ways of working, changes in societal trends, and social pressure. Both building and dismantling activities are necessary for the transition (X-curve principle, Supplementary Figure S1). Many (young) researchers are working on parts of the transition by driving the technological advances, but their are often not aware of its existence, their role in it, nor possess any knowledge on transition theory or what is needed to accelerate it.

According to the transition theory, progressing towards animal-free innovation will typically span over one or two generations (Andreoli et al., 2023). Anticipating that today’s young professionals and students will play a crucial role in facilitating and accelerating the shift towards animal-free science, their early involvement in this process becomes imperative.

In view of these circumstances, Young TPI (also known as Jong TPI and YTPI in some documents) was founded in April 2022 in the Hague and officially became a foundation in October of the same year. Establishing a young network, serving as both supporter and enabler, aligns with recommendations of the NCad and TPI programs.

The target audience for membership includes individuals aged 35 years or younger or those who have graduated or defended their master’s degree or PhD not more than 8 years ago. Members can become ambassadors to take an (even more) active role in the network, helping the board with organizational duties. Initially focused on individuals in the Netherlands, YTPI plans to expand its reach to include young professionals from other countries. While the network is open to individuals outside these criteria, they are referred to other structures, such as TPI, local TPI chapters, or equivalents outside the Netherlands, that could better suit their profile.

The growing interest for YTPI is evident in the steadily increasing number of members since the announcement of YTPI establishment in Q1 2022 (Figure 2B). Most members, at the time of registration, are pursuing their PhDs, followed by young professionals and students (Figure 2C). Affiliations are predominantly with Dutch Universities and Medical Centers (Figure 2D). Interestingly, YTPI has also attracted members affiliated outside the Netherlands, underscoring the global demand for young initiatives within the animal-free innovation field. Some members decided not to share their current position and/or affiliation, those appear under Unknown.

The YTPI ambassador program empowers members from various disciplines to promote and represent YTPI within their organizations. This ambassador network fosters engagement and amplifies YTPI’s impact by encouraging participation through peer invitations. Managed by PR, the program involves recruiting new ambassadors, organizing activities, and holding update meetings. Ambassadors support YTPI’s goals by promoting the network, assisting in event planning, creating content, joining think tanks, and representing YTPI. As of April 2024, YTPI has 10 ambassadors from diverse backgrounds across the Netherlands.

YTPI facilitates member collaboration with diverse sector partners -government, society, academia, and business-referred to as “Collaborators.” While collaborators may have diverse perspectives on animal research and biomedical innovation without use of animals, it is precisely these differences that serve as a source of inspiration and vice versa. Their inclusion is based on three criteria: alignment with YTPI’s transition goals, active participation in consultation and support, and value-added presence in the network. Additionally, collaborators play a crucial role in linking students and young professionals with the job market within the animal-free innovation field. Key collaborators of YTPI include TPI program, Stichting Proefdiervrij and ZonMw.

Besides the collaborators, other organizations, individual scientists, companies, governmental and regulatory bodies that participate in YTPI events are considered “Friends of”. This group includes all speakers and coaches who voluntarily contribute to events due of their personal commitment to the YTPI cause. Among the current “Friends of YTPI”, LUSH (fresh, handmade, animal-free cosmetics brand), Bi/ond (organ-on-chip startup company), MIMETAS (organ-on-chip small company), InnoGI Technologies (formerly The TIM Company, predictive medicine oriented small company), and hDMT (Dutch consortium for organ-on-chip technologies).

Effective branding is crucial for a non-profit organization like YTPI, establishing a recognizable identity, and attract funding (do Paço et al., 2014). The branding strategy includes a consistent logo, color palette, and badge across all communications and social media, strengthening YTPI’s image (Supplementary Figure S3). These elements are also featured in the “welcoming kit,” consisting of reusable items to decrease the single-use plastics. This comprehensive approach to branding contributes to YTPI’s distinct visual identity, reinforcing its mission and values.

The member analysis shows that YTPI’s niche lies in highly educated researchers working at Dutch universities and medical centers in the interface of biomedical research and technology. Expanding the network beyond these groups is key for continuing building on interdisciplinarity and diversity. Regarding the educational level, WO and HBO students in numbers are not as present as desired, despite YTPI’s goal is to attract young researchers. One suggestion is getting YTPI involved in education by, for instance, participating in lectures at all educational levels. Exposure to the transition and the NonAMs at an early stage in the career is fundamental to the paradigm change and has been demanded by YTPI’s members. NonAMs should be introduced in the curricula in a scalable manner, reducing the number of resources (time, expenses) used whilst maximizing the outreach and impact. To this end, mainstream media and social networks present interesting and opportunities worth looking into. Webinars, workshops, conferences and science dissemination activities are already part of the action plan of YTPI and will continue in the action roadmap.

Despite that the transition involves several fields of research, disciplines are currently rather isolated. Language barriers, underrepresentation of non-biomedical fields including social sciences, focus on the research “micro-niches,” or lack of financial and strategic support are to blame for the absence of knowledge flow (Young, 2024). YTPI aims to aid in stimulation of interdisciplinary collaborations by ensuring that the not-well-known disciplines (e.g., translational science, regulation, or policy making) are represented in the events. By hosting events which combine scientific research and technology and social sciences topics, it is possible to increase the exposure of both parts.

After the initial push given by governmental bodies, the momentum in policy for animal-free innovation encounters a slowdown. While research is spurring with new cutting-edge technologies and innovations, their implementation is still missing (Abarkan et al., 2022). Funding schemes, incentives, deadlines for the phase-out, laws, and regulatory schemes are falling short in enabling and legitimizing the transition. Yet, the different chemical and drug discovery pipelines will continue to fail until there are better predicting models. Furthermore, the dissemination of information about animal testing alternatives for the non-scientific public is insufficient.

YTPI has the potential to amplify communication by linking young scientists, professionals, and policymakers, broadening mutual understanding of the transition. This can be achieved through lectures, webinars, and conferences.

The landscape of animal-free innovation is currently technocentric, often neglecting broader considerations such as paradigm shifts, ethical values, and the inherent risks of animal testing. This oversight can obscure the holistic view of the transition away from animal research. Concerns persist about potential human risks, particularly among decision-makers (including senior researchers, journals, sponsors) and citizens, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges when balancing innovation with ethical responsibility.

The transition to animal-free models introduces various risks. While traditional animal studies assess mechanisms, efficacy, and safety, their replacement raises concerns about increased human risk, especially since the validation of non-animal methods is not yet standardized. Stakeholders may fear reverting to animal models if alternatives fail, after large investments have been done. However, continuing to use animal models carries its own risks due to their limited predictive capabilities. Building confidence in animal-free models will be crucial for this transition.

The ethical justification for animal testing is another pivotal consideration in this transition. It involves assessing the need for additional chemicals and cosmetic products, and pharmaceuticals. The unresolved question is whether animal testing is justified to facilitate the production of more chemicals, new products, cure diseases, and enhance our understanding of biology. This dilemma is further complicated by the risk of stifling innovation, which could potentially impede significant breakthroughs.

Here, Young TPI assumes a crucial role. Going beyond the technological dimension, the network aims to nurture critical thinkers who challenge existing norms and contribute to transformative change. The organization also commits to crafting a persuasive narrative, using its manifesto as a foundational document. By amplifying this message through diverse channels and engaging the broader public, Young TPI aims to encourage urgency, highlighting the risks of the status quo and illuminating the missed opportunities in the absence of a transition. Young TPI is not merely an organization but a dynamic network for dialogue and collaboration, steering towards a future where innovation thrives without compromising ethical principles.