European centre for the evaluation of alternative testing methods (ECVAM) A European Centre for the Evaluation of Alternative Testing Methods (ECVAM) has been set up as a special unit within the Environmental Institute of the JRC at Ispra in Italy. The main task of the centre will be to coordinate the validation of alternative testing methods at Com... A European Centre for the Evaluation of Alternative Testing Methods (ECVAM) has been set up as a special unit within the Environmental Institute of the JRC at Ispra in Italy. The main task of the centre will be to coordinate the validation of alternative testing methods at Community level. It will be supported by the JRC's technical infrastructure and, in particular, by toxicological laboratories equipped for in vitro testing. The creation of the centre follows Directive 86/609/EEC on the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes (OJ No L 358 of 18.12.1986) which calls on the Commission and Member States to encourage the development and validation of alternative techniques which could provide the same level of information as those used at present but which involve fewer animals or entail less painful procedures. Countries Italy
