Events & Programmes

World Laboratory Animal Day 
- annual Proefdiervrij Event

24. April 2026|  CORPUS, Leiden (Netherlands)

During this event scientists, companies, pioneers, investors, and students come together to take a giant step towards the implementation of animal-free innovation. The models are available; the insights are there to take away; and the lessons have been learned – so now it’s time for implementation, scaling up, validation, and taking decisive action.

Do you also feel lost occasionally, because there are so many initiatives – and do you no longer know where to look? We will take you by the hand by creating order out of the chaos. We filter the information overload and show what is truly important for your professional practice or research. Listen to your need to accelerate and, together with us, set the pace towards an animal-free future!

Why you have to be there

Of course, animal-free innovation is important, and we want to showcase everything that is currently happening. However, we also see the focus shifting: from ‘this must change’ to ‘this can change’! At the Proefdiervrij Event 2026, we will focus on the next steps. What do you need to move forward in working animal-free? We help you bring order in the chaos of regulations, tune in on the need for validation, and look closely into implementation possibilities. Your challenge is our fuel. We help you on your way with accurate information on animal-free models, techniques, financing, and regulations.

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Advanced Fermentation Technology 2026 
- New frontiers in Industrial Biotechnology

 30. June - 1. July 2026|  University of Lille – Scientific Campus  (France)

Context and objectives

• To advance fundamental understanding of microbial and metabolic mechanisms underpinning fermentation technology
• To explore innovative biotechnological and engineering approaches for optimizing production
• To foster meaningful dialogue between academic researchers and industry leaders to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into scalable applications
• To initiate new collaboration between academic and industrial researcher

Programme

• Session 1 – Selecting and Engineering Robust Strains for efficient fermentation
• Session 2 – Advanced Fermentation Systems
• Session 3 – Control Strategies, Machine Learning and Digital Twins for Bioprocess Design
• Session 4 – Autonomous Bioprocessing for Industrial Scalability
• Session 5 – Translational Bioprocessing: From laboratory scale to Industry
• Round table Discussion

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Advanced Innovation Challenges- Pilot

What is the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges ?

EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges aim to support high-risk, demand-driven deep tech innovation with transformative potential especially in areas where there is extensive research but lack of commercial uptake.  

This pilot aims to assess whether competitive, stage-gated support can accelerate the path to market for high-risk deep tech innovations, and whether early integration of demand-side actors can enhance the relevance, validation, and ultimately the uptake of breakthrough solutions. The pilot will provide evidence on whether these mechanisms lead to more efficient innovation cycles and broader market adoption than other instruments within Horizon Europe. 

The EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges are shaped and steered by EIC Programme Managers, in collaboration with users and ecosystem actors, to ensure strong alignment between cutting-edge science, demand, and policy priorities.

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2026 Challenge 2: Translating Disruptive New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) into Practice

NAMs have the potential to replace, reduce or refine animal use in the testing of medicinal products. This Challenge competition therefore looks to accelerate the adoption of NAMs in biomedicine and support companies that want to bring NAMs to the market.

Watch Challenge introduction

EUROTOX 2026 congress 
- Toxicology without borders

13. - 16. September 2026|  Vienna (Austria)

Under the theme “Toxicology without borders” EUROTOX 2026 will bring together scientists from academia, industry and regulatory bodies to explore the latest advances in toxicology, exchange knowledge and strengthen collaborations.

EUROTOX 2026 will be held at the Austria Center Vienna (ACV), Austria’s largest congress venue. It is minutes from Vienna’s historic city center and easily accessible by public transport. The ACV provides flexible spaces for plenary sessions, symposia, workshops and industrial exhibitions but also allows informal and inspiring networking formats.

The Scientific Programme Committee (SPC) compiled a comprehensive and well-balanced programme addressing the newest aspects and developments in toxicology. Furthermore, the programme includes three “Short Oral communication sessions”. Respective presentations will be selected from submitted abstracts to allow young researchers to present their work.

The social programme offers on Monday, a reception at the famous city hall of Vienna. On Tuesday, the Vienna Concert House opens its doors for a gala dinner. In a venue renowned for its musical heritage and timeless elegance, we invite you to join for a night of excellent cuisine, great company and the unique charm of Vienna.

Vienna combines international spirit, classical music heritage and a vibrant modern lifestyle. Key attractions include the imperial palaces Schönbrunn, Hofburg, and Belvedere, as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The city’s musical legacy shines at the Vienna State Opera, Musikverein, and through Mozart and Beethoven. Visitors enjoy traditional coffee houses, the Naschmarkt, and green spaces like the Prater and Danube waterfront.

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Info Webinar for the STEP4NAMs training & support programme

The STEP4NAMs project is launching a comprehensive training and support programme designed to support the uptake of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) as alternatives to animal testing in the BioPharma and MedTech sectors.

As regulatory frameworks evolve and innovative technologies mature, the adoption of NAMs increasingly requires not only technical solutions, but also skills development, regulatory awareness and practical readiness among stakeholders. The STEP4NAMs programme addresses these needs through a structured, modular and accessible approach. 

About the webinar