Pioneering Perspectives: Twente as a Hub for Transitioning to Animal-Free Innovation

As the global demand for ethical and sustainable scientific practices intensifies, the transition to animal-free innovation has become a pivotal focus in biomedical research and development. This session will highlight Twente's emerging role as a leading hub for pioneering advancements in this field.

Featuring a panel of experts from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies, we will explore the latest technologies and methodologies driving this transformation. Topics will include innovative in vitro and in silico models, the integration of bioengineering techniques, and the development of alternative testing methods.

Join us to learn about the strategic initiatives, cutting-edge research, and practical applications that position Twente at the forefront of animal-free innovation. This session aims to inspire and equip stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to advance ethical and effective scientific practices.

General information

Time: 13.15 - 14.30
Language: English
Room: FULL FOCUS (TL 2148 | First floor)
Available seats: 50

The programme

13.15 - 13.25	Welcome & Opening Andries van der Meer, Organ-on-Chip Centre Twente
13.25 - 13.35	National TPI programme Erica van Oort, TPI
13.35 - 13.45	Young TPI: accelerate the transition Saskia Aan, Young TPI & José Rivera Arbelaez, University of twente
13.45 - 13.55	TPI Utrecht: a regional hub Daniela Salvatori, University Utrecht
13.55 - 14.05	Animal-free innovation in companies Carlo Alberto Paggi, Chiron
14.05 - 14.25	Plenary discussion Andries van der Meer, Organ-on-Chip Centre Twente
14.25 - 14.30	Closing

Speakers

Daniela Salvatori | Utrecht University

Daniela holds the chair Comparative Anatomy and Physiology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University. She is a European certified Veterinary Pathologist. From 2019, she is the chairperson of " Transition to Animal-free Innovations Utrecht"(TPI Utrecht). TPI Utrecht has worked on many interdisciplinary projects to improve the quality of scientific research and education by supporting animal-free innovations. She led working group that has..

Saskia Aan | Young TPI

Saskia Aan has over five years of experience in Animal-Free Innovation. After earning her Master's degree in Biomedical Science with a specialization in Science in Society, she began her career as Science and Innovation Advisor at Stichting Proefdiervrij, where she contributed to the TPI program. Saskia currently serves as Manager Science at hDMT and became Chair of the Young TPI Board in June 2024. Her passion for advancing alternatives to animal testing is at the heart of her work.

José Manuel Rivera Arbeláez | University of Twente

Dr. Rivera Arbeláez is a highly skilled postdoctoral researcher at the EEMCS faculty in the BIOS Lab on Chip group and in the BET Department in the Applied Stem Cell Technologies group. His primary focus lies in driving technical innovation within the cardiac field, specifically on heart-on-chip technology, where he combines his extensive expertise in micro-fabrication, 3D modelling an and image analysis with the translation of measured values to human physiology.

Erica van Oort | TPI

Erica van Oort is a key figure at Team Transitie Proefdiervrije Innovatie (TPI), where she champions the shift towards animal-free innovations in research. With expertise in science and innovation management, she fosters collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to drive sustainable, ethical practices in modern science. Erica’s work is instrumental in developing strategies and policies that support humane and effective research methods, reflecting her commitment to a future where technology and ethics align in scientific progress.

Carlos Alberto Paggi | Chiron

Carlo Alberto Paggi started studying Biomedical Engineering at Politecnico of Milan in 2012, earning his Bachelor’s in 2015 with a project on microstructural epoxy resin molds for Lab-on-a-Chip production under Professor Vesentini. He participated in the CCS, addressing biomedical engineering program issues. He then attended a Summer School in Quantitative Biology at IFOM, focusing on micropatterning techniques. In 2016, he began his Master’s in Bionanotechnology & Advanced Biomanufacturing at the University of Twente, where he researched mesenchymal stem cell interactions at Mayo Clinic, presenting his work at ICRS in Macau. For his Master’s thesis, he developed a cartilage-on-chip model in the AMBER group and graduated Cum Laude in 2018. He subsequently started his PhD in Developmental BioEngineering under Professor Marcel Karperien.

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