At the University of Iowa, we strongly support the development of non-animal alternative approaches for research.
Although advancements are being made every day, at this time, alternative approaches cannot accurately replicate or model all biologic, physiologic, and behavioral aspects of human disease.
Alternative research methods, such as modeling and studying cells in a dish, are routinely used to reduce the number of animals that must be used. However, the current technologies cannot yet fully replace a whole, complex biological system. Therefore, the research community must still conduct humane and responsible animal research in order to discover and implement new cures for diseases, for animals and people.
As a part of the process for applying for federal funding, researchers are required to address the possible use of non-animal alternatives before the use of animals can be approved. Projects for which alternatives are identified and available are required to use those alternatives to the maximum extent possible.
