The University of Twente will close its animal facility by the end of 2025. This decision is part of the reorganisation of the Faculty of Science and Technology (TNW). The UT had a small animal facility housing mice and rats. Researchers could conduct animal experiments here, when no alternatives were available, to study complex disease mechanisms.
As of 1 January 2026, UT researchers will conduct their animal-based studies at partner institutions, such as the Central Animal Laboratory in Nijmegen. Through collaboration with Radboudumc, UT researchers can continue their studies in an approved, fully equipped research environment. The Animal Welfare Body will continue to ensure that as few animals as possible are used and that animal studies cause minimal discomfort.
Developing alternatives
The University of Twente is firmly committed to developing alternatives to animal testing. For instance, at the Organ-on-Chip Centre Twente, researchers develop microfluidic models using human cells or cell lines. These “organs-on-chips” can serve as disease models or be used in biomedical research, reducing the need for animal testing. Through these efforts, the University of Twente actively contributes to the 3Rs principle: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal testing.
For questions regarding animal research, UT staff members can contact animal-ethics@utwente.nl.
