Students from Karolinska Institutet Became EURL ECVAM Student Ambassadors

The EU Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EURL ECVAM) promotes the 3Rs – Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal experimentation – through research, development, validation, and dissemination of knowledge.

In 2024, EURL ECVAM launched its first Student Ambassador Project. Students from the Master's Programme in Toxicology at Karolinska Institutet have been involved in the project from start. They contributed to a workshop aimed at refining the project’s structure, and five students have so far participated as ambassadors.

We have spoken to three toxicology students Erofili Bougka, Katia El Nemer, and Paulina Sawicka to hear about their experience as ambassadors and to learn more about the project.

The EURL ECVAM Student Ambassador Project

The EULR ECVAM Student Ambassador Project aims to disseminate knowledge and raise awareness of non-animal methods among students, and to build a network of ambassadors who can share knowledge and inspire their peers.

– I feel fortunate to have been part of the first cohort of student ambassadors, representing both Karolinska Institutet and the Master's programme in Toxicology, says Katia. I formed strong connections with experts and gained valuable insights through engaging discussions with professionals from around the world. In this project I believe I could truly contribute to the future of research were the 3Rs and non-animal methods will dominate.

Erofili shares that her personal motivation for joining the project was to connect science with society by raising awareness, engaging fellow students, and advocating for innovative approaches that replace animal use while upholding high scientific standards.

– The Ambassador Project is a great opportunity to inspire early-career scientists and build a collaborative network where researchers can exchange ideas and promote the adoption of non-animal methods, says Erofili.

Student Ambassador Activities

Throughout the project, students received guidance and mentorship, and were encouraged to organise activities and deliver lectures at their universities.

– Together with other ambassadors, I helped organise a lecture for junior students on the history and future of toxicological and scientific research, says Katia.

Erofili’s main contribution was a presentation held during Karolinska Institutet’s Sustainable Development Week. It focused on the scientific, ethical, and regulatory dimensions of non-animal methods, their practical applications, and career opportunities in the field.

– The support from the researchers at EURL ECVAM has been outstanding, says Erofili. They provided valuable guidance and fostered an encouraging environment that enabled knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

Paulina was on an ERASMUS exchange at Utrecht University in the Netherlands while participating in the project. This provided valuable opportunities to engage with Dutch organisations dedicated to replacing animal experimentation.

– It was an incredible opportunity to network and collaborate with Young TPI in the Netherlands, which shares similar goals and activities. During our presentations, we collected feedback that we later presented at the EURL ECVAM Summer School. We also reached out to students interested in becoming future ambassadors.

Reflections on the Impact of the Project

EURL ECVAM’s long-term vision with the Student Ambassador Project is to create a self-sustaining movement across European universities, increasing awareness of non-animal approaches and inspiring future generations to develop, use, and teach about them.

But what do the ambassadors themselves think?

– This was just a pilot round, but I already believe it will have a significant impact, says Paulina. Many students who attended my presentations were unaware of the range of alternative methods available, or of the large number of animals used in scientific research. Raising awareness among young people who are still shaping their career paths can give them new perspectives and influence their choices.

– My experience as an ambassador showed me how powerful awareness-raising can be in encouraging early-career scientists to consider non-animal methods not only as a research strategy but also as a career direction, says Erofili. By engaging with diverse audiences, the project helps accelerate the transition toward these methods, making them a mainstream standard rather than an alternative to animal experimentation.

All three students plan to continue their ambassador work as opportunities arise, even now that their studies are finished.

– I’m currently looking for a job, so I don’t yet know where I’ll end up, says Paulina. But if I get the chance, I’ll definitely continue my work as an ambassador. I’m still in contact with Young TPI and, through my connections, I’m helping to recruit new potential ambassadors.