Report on the outcome of the JRC Summer School 2023 on non-animal approaches in science : towards sustainable innovation

The fourth edition of the JRC Summer School took place in May 2023. The aim of the JRC Summer School is to share knowledge and experience on the latest non-animal approaches in science and to promote their use in biomedical research, regulatory applications and drug development. This includes cutting-edge technologies such as induced pluripotent stem cells, organ-on-chip, complex in vitro methods, computational modelling, and artificial intelligence that are being exploited for world-class science which benefits our society and supports sustainable development and innovation. In addition, the intention is to explore the current and future role of the Three Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal experiments) through discussion and debate. We also explore career paths in non-animal approaches in science. The JRC Summer School is specifically tailored for post-graduate students and early-career scientists working in the biosciences field and focused on non-animal methods and technologies. This report describes the scope, the programme, the feedback and even the feeling of the JRC summer school.