About the chair
In 2015, late Mireille Aerens founded the Chair in Alternative Research Methods without Test Animals to create a broader basis for animal-free research. The chair particularly strives to give opportunities to innovative projects and young researchers in order to further expand the field of animal-free research and to make it successful.
Although the development of new medicines still requires the use of laboratory animals today, we can prevent a great deal of animal suffering in areas such as toxicological and regulatory testing. In addition, the development of new drugs is expensive (€ 1 to 2 trillion) and time-consuming (10 to 12 years). Drastic savings in those areas are possible without sacrificing safety and innovation.
The chair is part of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy.
Animal-friendly research
Less than 60% of favourable test results in laboratory animals (mostly mice and rats) are relevant to humans. This raises ethical questions and makes alternative methods very necessary. The guiding principle for animal-friendly research is the 3R concept: Replacement, Reduction, Refinement.
- Replacement: in the first instance, the aim is to work without using laboratory animals while retaining the same or greater safety for humans.
- Reduction: if animals are nonetheless used, as few animals as possible should be used.
- Refinement: research must be conducted under strictly humane conditions and in full compliance with existing legislation.
Research projects
The research projects within the chair are carried out by the research group IVTD - In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology. This team aims to improve human health and safety.
2016-2019
In a first phase (2016-2019), the chair developed new three-dimensional culture methods of human stem cells. We can use them to track down possible toxic effects of new drugs. IVTD cooperates with the Brussels Photonics Team (B-PHOT) of VUB for this. Two young researchers (Alessandra Natale and Joost Boeckmans) were able to successfully complete a PhD through the IVTD Chair. Now they can spread the word about the importance of alternative methods.
2020-2023
Also in the second phase (2020-2023), IVTD can appoint two young researchers through the chair. Anouck Thienpont started research into an innovative non-animal testing strategy for determining genotoxicity (a precursor to cancer) in long-term drug use. The application process for a second young researcher is underway. They will develop an animal-free method for new drugs against NASH, sometimes called the "liver disease of the future".
Chairholders
Current holder: Em. Prof. Dr. Vera Rogiers
After her training as a pharmacist at Ghent University, Vera obtained a doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences at VUB. She also holds an additional Master in applied toxicology from the University of Guildford, UK.
Over the years, Vera has developed a strong research team at VUB dedicated to the development of animal-friendly in vitro methodology. As an academic toxicology team, it is unique in Belgium. Together with her team, Vera has won several international awards. Now she is active within IVTD as professor emeritus. Besides the Mireille Aerens Chair, she also heads the Innovation Centre-3Rs (IC-3Rs) at VUB.
Future holder: Prof. Dr. Tamara Vanhaecke
Tamara graduated as a bioengineer in cell and gene biotechnology from VUB. After obtaining her doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences under the sponsorship of Prof. Dr. Vera Rogiers, she obtained an FWO postdoctoral fellowship in 2000 to continue her scientific work.
Since then, Tamara has also functioned as IVTD's work leader and supervised various (doctoral) research projects in the field of experimental in vitro toxicology. She has been a full-time professor since October 2017 and succeeded Vera Rogiers as chair of IVTD. Tamara very enthusiastically continues the research into the development of non-animal testing methods.
Who was Mireille Aerens?
Mireille Aerens was a sparkling personality with a warm heart, not only for people, but also very emphatically for animals. In 2009, she decided to donate part of her fortune to VUB for the establishment of a chair on saving laboratory animals in scientific research. This chair was established in 2015 with Prof. Dr. Vera Rogiers (research group IVTD - In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology) as Chairholder.
Sadly, Mireille left us on 30 March 2020 at the age of 86. We lost a very dear and loyal friend, but her life's work is continued thanks to a legacy at VUB.
News
- VUB loses its most motivated patron to the coronavirus COVID-19
- European ban on animal testing threatens innovation
- Stem cells are used in the fight against laboratory animal use
- Understanding communication between cells in lab culture is another step closer to reducing the use of laboratory animals
Discover all active chairs
Academic chair details
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy
Type of chair: Innovation
Foundation year: 2015