Third NRP 79 Annual Meeting in Lausanne: Focus on implementation

The main focus of the meeting was on how to implement the research results. At the
morning sessions, experts and representatives from the 3R field explained how
implementation projects are conceived, how possible obstacles are overcome and
how effective strategies are developed.

A novel funding programme

One of the main points discussed was a new and innovative funding format for NRP 79. Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga, Chair of the Implementation Advisory Board (IAB), explained the idea and background behind the format, which has been especially tailored to implementation projects, to the 24 research teams from the three modules – Innovation, Implementation, and Ethics & Society – who had come to Lausanne for the meeting.

In the afternoon, participants discussed topics such as market access, regulation of 3R methods and financing options with the morning's speakers and other experts in round-table discussions. Attendees were also able to ask questions about their own ideas and projects.

The event offered the participants numerous opportunities for networking and dialogue – two of the main goals of the annual meetings. As Herwig Grimm, who chairs the steering committee, emphasised: “It’s important to see the bigger picture and to network and exchange views with others. The NRP is greater than the sum of the individual projects.”

Also in attendance were the members of the steering committee as well as representatives of other participating organisations, such as 3RCC, Innosuisse and the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO).

Next year in Zurich

The next Annual Meeting is due to be held in Zurich in June 2025. The research phase of NRP 79 will continue until the end of 2028. Information on the progress of the individual projects and events is available on the website as well as in newsletters and on social media (X/LinkedIn).