Twinning towards excellence in alternative methods for toxicity assessment

Project Information

TWINALT

Grant agreement ID: 952404

DOI

10.3030/952404

Project closed

EC signature date 26 June 2020

Start date 1 November 2020

End date 31 October 2023

Funded under

• Twinning of research institutions

Total cost

€ 899 892,50

EU contribution

€ 899 892,50

Coordinated by

INSTYTUT MEDYCYNY PRACY IMIENIA PROF. DRA MED. JERZEGO NOFERA W LODZI
Poland

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - TWINALT (Twinning towards excellence in alternative methods for toxicity assessment)

Reporting period: 2022-02-01 to 2023-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

For many years, the use of animal experiments for advancements in science, medicine and human safety has faced growing controversy. While animal testing has provided undeniable scientific progress, accumulating scientific and ethical concerns have driven the search for alternative approaches based on the 3Rs: replacement, reduction and refinement. Additionally the reliability and reproducibility of the in vivo models for many endpoints are not completely adequate. TWINALT’s objective is to strengthen the research position of NIOM (Poland) in alternative animal-free methods for toxicity testing by means of linking it with internationally renowned research groups in this field at VUB (Belgium), NILU (Norway) and UMIL (Italy). Next objective is to enhance the science and technology S&T capacity of the 4 linked institutions (the S&T training programme, consortium events and the return mechanisms workshops) and to commercialize and integrate of TWINALT research with the needs of society at the local, regional, national, European and global levels (communication, exploitation and dissemination to raise academic, societal and industrial awareness of alternative methods for toxicity /safety assessment.

TWINALT has planned activities for: 1) scientific development; 2) dialogue with industry; 3) awareness raising; 4) accessible knowledge on alternative methods for toxicity assessment without the use of laboratory animals. With the support of TWINALT partners, NIOM has outlined a long-term scientific strategy for further development of alternative methods in toxicology

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

As part of the TWINALT project implementation, 11 S&T courses (14 topics) were organized during the project’s course. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic reality, some courses were conducted online, if possible. Some courses were divided into two parts, i.e. a theoretical part (online for a wider audience) and/or hands-on practical training (on-site, only for partnership researchers). The interactive online courses attracted many participants from different countries and became very popular (about 550 participants). In addition to the S&T courses, four Consortium Events (CEs) were organized during the TWINALT project to improve researchers’ soft skills through transferable skills training. There were organized 4 events with approx.. 240 participants.

Three Stakeholder Events with about 250 participants were organized and especially dedicated to the representatives of pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies form R&D branch. These events reported on the current status of alternative methods of toxicity testing, regulatory issues in combination with the presentation of a testing offer and portfolio of NIOM.

Diverse channels, such as social and local media, have been used to reach broader audiences, including teenagers, young individuals, and students. The TWINALT website (twinalt.com) features a homepage delineating the project’s mission and vision, along with pages containing the project summary, details about the consortium partners, an events calendar, and contact information. Updates, including news, events, upcoming workshops and blog posts, were simultaneously shared on TWINALT’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and LinkedIn.

Moreover, the TWINALT project and its objectives were featured in Platinum magazine through an article presented in both Italian and English. The Polish Press Agency and on biotechnologia.pl contributed to the dissemination of information by releasing an online article in Polish on alternative methods for toxicity assessment. NIOM’s team also realized three TV reports on alternative methods, broadcasted on TV and Youtube channel. These reportages showcase NIOM scientists illustrating alternative methods for toxicity assessment and providing insights into the laboratory work. Viewers could also get acquainted with the impressions of participants involved in on-site courses as part of the TWINALT project.

An online workshop was specifically organized for 3rd class high school students with an extended program in biology and chemistry. Two additional lectures were primarily dedicated to students enrolled in life science-related faculties at Lodz University and members of two societies in Lodz: the Polish Society of Toxicology and the Polish Biophysical Society. Students from three high schools participated in an Open Day at NIOM. Students enrolled in science-oriented classes had the opportunity to listen to a lecture that introduced the concept of alternative methods for cytotoxicity testing. A collaborative effort with the Innovation Centre 3Rs (IC-3Rs) and the RE-Place project led to the organization of the Joint 3R Symposium, taking place from September 19th to 21st, 2023 and hosted at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).

Project partners published eleven peer-reviewed scientific articles related to TWINALT topics/trainings , specifically in the areas of genotoxicity, nanotoxicology and skin sensitization. In total, thirty-one scientific publications, including the aforementioned eleven articles, were generated and made accessible through the freely available OpenAIRE Zenodo repository, following the established terms and procedures of access. Additionally, project partners actively participated in number of international conferences, delivering both oral and poster presentations acknowledged to TWINALT: 25 oral presentations (4 of which received awards) across 16 conferences and 25 poster presentations (4 of which received awards) at 9 conferences.

All four TWINALT partners are actively involved in the new large European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) that was launched in 2022 with similar, but more robust overarching goals to consolidate and strengthen the EU's research and innovation capacity for chemical risk assessment to protect human health and the environment.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Through mobility activities, NIOM has gained and shared new expertise and knowledge in the field of alternatives in toxicology. The organization of diverse training events, where each partner imparts their latest expertise to the entire consortium, provides a concrete avenue for disseminating and transferring skills and know-how in alternative methods relevant to toxicity. The commercial aspect of the experience gained is also very important, as an enhanced portfolio of alternative methods for safety assessment has the potential to attract new industrial partners. The TWINALT project has played a pivotal role in consolidating the Regional Platform on Alternative Methods. The platform fosters discussions on the ongoing challenges in developing effective alternative methods for toxicity assessment and their societal impact. Awareness regarding the use of laboratory animals in toxicity assessment and the current achievements in applying alternative methods has been widely communicated to the general public, including the younger generation through various social media channels.

Twinalt logotype