Working towards a safer world without animal testing

The In Vitro Toxicology research group (ATX) of Utrecht University‘s Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) focusses on developing and improving in vitro cell models for toxicological risk assessment, thus replacing, reducing and refining animal tests (3R). It specifically develops analytical techniques and computational models to improve the quantitative extrapolation of effect concentrations obtained from in vitro cell assays to toxic doses relevant to humans and animals. 

“What is there that is not poison? All things are poison and nothing [is] without poison. Solely the dose determines that a thing is not a poison” – Paracelsus, 15th century physician/alchemist

“Forget biology, chemistry or physics – the most exciting research is happening at the interface of the disciplines.” – Sean O’Neill, New Scientist (16 February 2011)