Laboratory Tested, PETA Scientist Approved! This Bio Curriculum Is Animal-Free
Animal-free science isn’t only the future; in this German laboratory, it’s already the curriculum!
Scientists at Technische Universität Berlin and Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in Germany have published a paper on a biology laboratory course that’s completely animal-free. PETA Science Consortium International e.V. provided funding to help support the development of this innovative course.
Led by Dr. Jens Kurreck, a professor of applied biochemistry and a recognized expert in bioprinting technology, the team has successfully piloted a graduate-level laboratory course that eliminates the use of animal parts such as fetal bovine serum (FBS) and antibodies taken from animals.
Millions of animals are used globally to produce antibodies each year. Animals used for antibody production have been held in bleak conditions, deprived of basic care, and left with untreated injuries or infections. FBS is obtained as a byproduct when pregnant cows are slaughtered for meat consumption. Large-gauge needles are used to draw the blood out of the beating hearts of the unborn calves. Approximately 1.8 million calf fetuses are used to produce FBS each year.
Animal parts like these present several problems for practical science and learning. Each batch differs from the next, resulting in less reliable and reproducible outcomes. Instead, this innovative course equips students with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art, animal-free methodologies, helping to nurture a new generation of scientists committed to reproducible and ethically responsible research.
The best part? Other universities can adapt the course to their needs. The curriculum also highlights the scientific and ethical advantages of transitioning to animal-free research methods.
In addition to providing funding to help run this course, Dr. Kurreck received free equipment from the Science Consortium that can help replace the use of animals in tests to predict whether chemicals can compromise the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
By replacing outdated practices that use animal parts, Dr. Kurreck and his team have set a new standard for bioscience education—one that upholds both scientific accuracy and compassion for animals.
Help Educate the World With Humane Science!
For more than 10 years, the Science Consortium has worked with industries, government agencies, and educational institutions to replace animals in toxicity tests by funding research, publishing scientific papers, organizing webinars and conferences, and more. Help this global team of class acts school the world in animal-free innovation!
