Our lab develops organs-on-chip (OOC) models, focusing on the lungs, liver and gut. We are creating vascularized tissues-on-chip (patent filed) that better mimic the tissue microenvironment, enabling interaction studies between the vascular systems and their surroundings.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/negar-vadhani.jpg, Ms. Negar Vahdani,
ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research
University of Bern
Generation of vascularized liver spheroid on-chip model for in-vitro infectious disease studies
At my home lab I developed an air-liquid-interface in-vitro model of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) respiratory tract to study host-parasite interactions in canids. This model is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis and immune responses in canid lungworm infections and can be extended to study further infectious pathogens, given that foxes are reservoirs for many infective agents. Our model is used for studies on the tissue-specific response to lungworm infections using transcriptomic and proteomic approaches.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/andreas-oehm.jpg, Dr Andreas Oehm,
Institute of Parasitology
University of Zurich
Development, validation, and establishment of intestinal organoids to study host-parasite interactions in veterinary medicine
The Centre of Experimental Rheumatology specializes in the investigation of rheumatic and skeletal disorders, including systemic sclerosis (SSc). SSc is a paradigm fibrotic disease characterized by multi-organ fibrosis, including the skin. Currently, tools to investigate SSc pathogenesis include traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture and animal models, both of which are established at our institute.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/astrid-hofman.jpeg, Ms Astrid Hofman,
Department of Rheumatology
University Hospital Zurich
Moving towards Personalized Medicine: Precision Cut Skin Slices to Model Gene-Responsive Signatures for Novel and Existing Therapies for Systemic Sclerosis Patients
This project develops an automated system that monitors pain and well‑being in laboratory mice. The platform aims to improve welfare assessments, reduce bias, and enhance consistency across research laboratories.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/johannes-bohacek.jpeg, Prof. Johannes Bohacek,
ETH Zürich
Co-Investigators:
Dr Oliver Sturman | ETH Zürich
Prof. Thomas Nevian | University of Bern
Mr Niek Andresen | Science of Intelligence (German Research Foundation)
Dr Katharina Hohlbaum | Science of Intelligence (German Research Foundation)
Prof. Lars Lewejohann | Freie Universität Berlin
Dr Ruslan Rust | University of Southern California
, https://hest.ethz.ch/en/research/professorships/person-detail.MTY2MTIx.TGlzdC85MiwtNzMwNjY5NDYy.htmlAn automated system for the assessment of pain and wellbeing in laboratory mice
Providing mice with well‑designed environmental enrichment can reduce stress, improve wellbeing, and enhance research quality. This project evaluates three commercially available enrichment items to identify science‑based, practical improvements for laboratory mouse housing.
, Mr Davide Manfredini,
Università della Svizzera italiana
, https://search.usi.ch/it/persone/8e7a70b0514ca7c1792c6f67a5dac691/manfredini-davideEvaluation of environmental enrichments for mice
At my home lab, we established several human bladder microtissue models to understand host-uropathogen interactions in patient-like scenarios, to be tested for novel urinary tract infections (UTI) therapeutics. However, they still lack the immune cell component, which is a crucial need for the field and a main expertise of the group of Dr. Molly Ingersoll (host).
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/screenshot-2025-07-14-at-11.04.03.png, Dr Carlos Flores,
Biozentrum,
University of Basel
Providing immunocompetence to human microtissue bladder models
Our research group aims to implement various biological questions and models in microphysiological systems (MPS). We have established an iPSC-derived blood-brain barrier on a Mimetas chip (Burgio et al., 2023) and an in vitro kidney model on the Vitrofluid platform (Specioso et al., 2022).
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/saskia-schmidt.jpeg, Ms. Saskia Schmidt,
Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW
Hochschule für Life Sciences
Institut für Chemie und Bioanalytik
Implementation of the liver fibrosis AOP in a novel liver chip
This project develops genetically sterile host embryos and a sex‑specific fluorescent reporter to streamline the creation of transgenic animals. The approach aims to reduce surplus animals and make transgenic production faster, more accurate, and more humane.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ori-bar-nur.jpeg, Prof. Ori Bar-Nur,
ETH Zurich
, https://hest.ethz.ch/en/department/people/professors/persdetail.MjQ0Nzky.TGlzdC85Miw5ODYyMzU0MDI=.htmlOptimizing Transgenic Animal Derivation Utilizing Sterile Hosts and a Sex-Specific Genetic Reporter
Breeding dystrophic mice is challenging but also essential for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) research. This project evaluates four breeding strategies to identify conditions that improve pup survival, minimise animal use, and strengthen the reliability and efficiency of DMD preclinical studies.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/olivier-dorchies.jpg, Dr Olivier Dorchies,
University of Geneva
, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Olivier-DorchiesHow to improve the breeding success of fragile dystrophic mice – comparison of 4 breeding schemes
Delivering substances orally with gavage needles is stressful for mice and can compromise data quality. This project develops a gentle, voluntary ingestion method using palatable agar‑based pills, aiming to eliminate stress, improve welfare, and increase the reproducibility of research.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/claudio-aguilar.jpeg, Dr Claudio Aguilar,
University of Zurich
, https://www.vetvir.uzh.ch/en/Research/Experimental-Virology/Team2/Claudio-Aguilar.htmlA no-stress alternative to oral gavage in mice
Realistic, 3D‑printed rodent tail models offer a humane, accessible way to learn intravenous injections. By improving and freely distributing these tools, this project enhances technical training quality while reducing reliance on live animals during early skill acquisition.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/felix-gantenbein-1-scaled.jpg, Dr Felix Gantenbein,
University of Zurich
, https://www.zirp.uzh.ch/en/aboutus/contact/gantenbein.htmlRefining rodent i.v. injection training by creating, improving and disseminating realistic training models
This project works to standardize human organoid-based drug permeability assays, providing robust, animal-free alternatives for predicting drug absorption and distribution. These validated methods could replace animal studies widely used in early-stage drug development.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/johannes-mosbacher.jpg, Prof. Johannes Mosbacher,
Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz
Co-Investigators:
Dr Christopher Kohl | Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Dr Janick Stucki | AlveoliX AG
, https://www.fhnw.ch/de/personen/johannes-mosbacherStandardising human organoid-based drug permeability assays
This project develops advanced human‑relevant 2D and 3D adrenal and pancreatic cell models to better identify endocrine‑disrupting chemicals. These in‑vitro systems aim to reduce reliance on rodent studies while improving the accuracy and relevance of endocrine toxicity screening.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/constanze-hantel.jpg, Dr Constanze Hantel,
University Hospital Zurich
Co-Investigators:
Dr Edira Luca | University Hospital Zurich
, https://www.usz.ch/team/constanze-hantel/Multidimensional models for in vitro screening of endocrine disrupting agents
This project refines how researchers assess the estrous cycle in rodents by combining a minimally invasive monitoring technique with a deep‑learning AI tool. Together, they reduce animal stress, improve classification accuracy, and enhance data quality in female‑inclusive research.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ivana-jaric-scaled.jpg, Dr Ivana Jaric,
University of Bern
, https://www.ltk.uzh.ch/en/research0/Group-Jaric.htmlRefining estrous cycle through non-invasive collection procedures and deep learning classification
Male mice used for research are often separated due to severe fighting, but this results in social isolation. This study evaluates whether single housing with controlled visual, olfactory, and acoustic contact can enhance animal welfare and reduce stress compared to full isolation.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/petra-seebeck.jpg, Dr Petra Seebeck,
University of Zurich
, https://www.zirp.uzh.ch/en/aboutus/contact/seebeck.htmlAlone – together? – single housing of male mice
It is unclear whether hypothermia or isoflurane is the most humane anesthesia method for neonatal mice. Using fMRI and molecular markers, this project aims to establish an evidence‑based, welfare‑optimised approach, to help refine experiments and improve well-being.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/charlotte-calvet-scaled.png, Dr Charlotte Calvet,
University of Zurich
, https://www.zirp.uzh.ch/en/aboutus/alumni/calvet.htmlRefinement of anesthesia in neonatal mice
This project will develop standardized fish welfare scoresheets to help improve consistency, objectivity, and communication in fish research, strengthening welfare monitoring and enhancing scientific quality across facilities.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/irene-adrian-kalchhauser.jpg, Professor Irene Adrian-Kalchhauser,
University of Bern
, https://www.fiwi.vetsuisse.unibe.ch/ueber_uns/personeninfos___invisible/prof_dr_phil_nat_adrian_kalchhauser_irene/index_ger.htmlScoresheet for Fish
This project develops a zebrafish embryo platform to screen bacteriophage‑derived antimicrobials. By shifting testing from rodents to zebrafish embryos, it reduces vertebrate animal use while also supporting the search for new treatments against drug‑resistant infections.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/steffi-lehmann.gif, Prof. Steffi Lehmann,
Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Dr Lars Fieseler | ZHAW
Dr Linda Tschirren | ZHAW
Dr Steven Hagens | Micreos GmbH
Dr Samuel Kilcher | Micreos GmbH
Dr Patrick Hauswirth | ZHAW
Prof. Jörg Huwyler | University of Basel
, https://www.zhaw.ch/de/ueber-uns/person/lehtMinimizing the number of rodents used in the discovery of bacteriophage derived antimicrobials through candidate screening in zebrafish embryos
Lung cancer is leading cause of cancer-related deaths. This project validates a new air/liquid interface method for growing patient‑derived lung cancer organoids, creating more reliable tumour models and providing a powerful, animal‑free approach that improves drug‑testing in lung cancer research.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/olivier-preynat-seauve.jpg, Dr Olivier Preynat-Seauve,
University of Geneva
Co-Investigators:
Dr Sanae El Harane | University of Geneva
Dr Vèronique Serre Beinier | University of Geneva
, https://www.unige.ch/medecine/demed/recherche/561villard-ferrari-lacraz/membres/olivier-preynat-seauveA unique technology producing standardized lung cancer organoids in air/liquid interface conditions: a new alternative to animal experimentation
This project developed an automated, computer vision based system to track and analyse the behaviour of research dogs. By generating individual behaviour profiles, this improves welfare monitoring and reduces subjectivity.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/henning-richter-scaled.jpg, Dr Henning Richter,
University of Zurich
, https://www.tierspital.uzh.ch/person/henning-richter/Personal behavior profiles – tracking dogs for welfare monitoring
This project evaluated non‑surgical embryo transfer as a humane alternative to conventional surgical procedures for generating transgenic mice and rats, aiming to reduce animal suffering and improve procedural safety and efficiency.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ori-bar-nur.jpeg, Prof. Ori Bar-Nur,
ETH Zurich
, https://hest.ethz.ch/en/department/people/professors/persdetail.MjQ0Nzky.TGlzdC85Miw5ODYyMzU0MDI=.htmlApplication of non-surgical embryo transfer for the generation of transgenic models
BACKGROUND Our group is developing ex-vivo models of human skin to investigate the mechanism of action of therapeutics and evaluate their potential for the treatment of inflammatory skin disease. Using a standard ex-vivo culture approach, we have obtained proof-of-principle data that this approach can predict therapeutic effects on disease-causing cell populations such as T cells […]
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/nicole-bertschi.jpg, Dr Nicole Bertschi,
University Hospital of Bern
, https://www.dbmr.unibe.ch/about_us/staff/personenpool_index/dr_phil_nat_bertschi_nicole_leonie/index_eng.htmlImplementation of a novel human ex-vivo skin culture technique to study the mechanism of action of therapeutics for inflammatory skin disease replacing animal testing
Understanding brain development requires systems that capture embryonic complexity while enabling precise manipulation. Dr Camacho will learn an ex utero embryo culture technique, allowing him to research the early stages of embryonic brain development outside of the maternal environment.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/camacho.jpeg, Dr Antonio Herrera Camacho,
EPFL
Supervisor:
Prof. Jacob Hanna | Weizmann Institute of Science
, https://gioelelamanno.com/people/antonioherrera/
Ex-utero culture of mouse embryos
This project advances behavioural neuroscience by automating the assessment of anhedonia, motivation and attention in mice using the IntelliCage system, reducing stress and improving data quality through testing in their social home‑cage environment.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ulrike-weber-stadlbauer.jpg, Dr Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer,
University of Zürich
, https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=c5VPraIAAAAJ&hl=enRefined automated assessment of anhedonia, motivation and attention in mice
Pre‑operative fasting is widely practised in sheep, but guidance is inconsistent and not evidence‑based. This project investigates whether fasting and water restriction are necessary and how they affect animal welfare and physiology, to develop more robust, ethical guidelines.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/miriam-weisskopf.jpg, Dr Miriam Weisskopf,
University Hospital Zurich
, https://www.chir.uzh.ch/en/anesthesia/labanesthesia/Weisskopf.htmlNeed and efficacy of pre-operative fasting in Sheep
PNET research has limited human‑relevant models. Keio University has created the first patient‑derived PNET organoids. The University of Bern will adopt this protocol, establish and expand the models, and replace animal methods with a scalable, human‑relevant platform for drug‑response analysis.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/martin-sadowski-1.jpg, Dr Martin Sadowski,
University of Bern
Supervisor:
Prof. Toshiro Sato | Keio University
, https://www.igmp.unibe.ch/ueber_uns/personen/sadowski_martin/index_ger.html
Modelling acquired drug resistance by high content imaging and multivariate analysis of patient-derived organoids
The Home Lab will learn to generate iPSC‑derived macrophages (iPSC‑Macs), using them to establish a lung-microbiota on-chip, to provide a human‑relevant model for lung bacterial colonisation and inflammation research.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/screenshot-2025-07-10-at-14.32.50.png, Dr Sudip Das,
University Hospital of Bern
Supervisor:
Prof. Nico Lachmann | Hannover Medical School
, https://engelbeelab.com/team/Das
iPSC-derived macrophages for a Lung-on-chip (LOC) model of bacterial colonisation
Intraoperative nociception often goes undetected during general anaesthesia, risking inadequate pain relief and worse post‑operative recovery. This project evaluates a more objective nociceptive monitoring method to support better pain management and improve welfare across multiple animal species.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/daniela-casoni-1-scaled.jpg, Dr Daniela Casoni,
University of Bern
, https://www.anaesthesie.dkv.unibe.ch/ueber_uns/personen/dr_med_vet_casoni_daniela/index_ger.htmlIntraoperative nociception in animals: time to address and manage the issue efficaciously
Understanding how cardiomyocytes mature is essential for studying cardiac disease, damage, and repair. Dr Sileo will learn how to generate reproducible, human cardiomyocytes and will use them to create 3D engineered tissues, enabling more human-relevant cardiac maturation studies.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/antonio-sileo.jpg, Dr Antonio Sileo,
University of Basel
Supervisor:
Prof. Thomas Eschenhagen | University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf
, https://biomedizin.unibas.ch/en/persons/sileo-antonio/Human engineered heart models to investigate mechanisms of cardiac maturation
Fragile X syndrome disrupts early brain development, yet its human‑specific synaptic defects remain poorly understood. This research uses human brain assembloids to study early tripartite synapse abnormalities, offering insights impossible to obtain from animal models.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/barbora-vidimova.jpg, Miss Barbora Vidimova,
University of Lausanne
Supervisor:
Prof. Claudia Bagni | University of Lausanne
, https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbora-vidimova-4aba98180/?originalSubdomain=chMolecular and Cellular characterization of developing Fragile X Synapses in human assembloids
Understanding how drugs and endogenous molecules enter the brain is essential for developing safer, more effective therapies. This research develops a human‑based in vitro blood‑brain barrier model to better predict uptake transport, reducing reliance on animal experiments.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/valerio-taggi.jpg, Mr Valerio Taggi,
Universität Basel
Supervisor:
Prof. Henriette Meyer zu Schwabedissen | Universität Basel
, https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerio-taggi/?originalSubdomain=itEstablishment and validation of a human in vitro model to investigate uptake transport at the Blood-Brain Barrier
Identifying effective drug combinations is essential in precision oncology, but testing all the possibilities is impossible. This project uses artificial intelligence and patient‑derived tumor organoids to predict and validate drug synergies, reducing reliance on animal testing in drug development.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/screenshot-2025-07-10-at-11.43.42.png, Ms Alicia Pliego Mendieta,
University Hospital Zürich
Supervisor:
Prof. Chantal Pauli | University Hospital Zürich
, https://www.phd-biomed.uzh.ch/en/organisation/biomed-current-students.htmlArtificial intelligence-mediated drug synergy prediction and validation in patient-derived ex vivo tumor organoid models
Genetic manipulation of mice often relies on tamoxifen, which can cause toxicity, stress, and unreliable results. This project evaluates RU486 and a redesigned Cre system as a more specific and less harmful alternative for controlled gene activation.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/tosca-dalessi.jpg, Ms Tosca Dalessi,
University of Zürich
Supervisor:
Prof. Konrad Basler | University of Zürich
, https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1845-8227
Cre-Rux – improving mouse well-being with a refined approach for in vivo genetic manipulation
PMSG is a widely used hormone in agriculture and research, but relies on blood collection from pregnant horses, raising significant welfare concerns. This project aims to develop a functional, animal-free PMSG, providing a humane, reliable and scalable alternative to current production methods.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/thorsten-buch.jpg, Prof. Thorsten Buch,
University of Zurich
Collaborators:
Dr Martina Loesle | University of Zurich
Prof. Ulrich Bleul | University of Zurich
, https://www.ltk.uzh.ch/en/research0/Group-Buch.htmlPreventing the use of pregnant horses to produce PMSG by using immortalized chorionic girdle cells for the hormone production
This project developed realistic 3D‑printed mouse tail models that allow researchers to practise intravenous injections without using live animals. The models provide lifelike tactile feedback and support more humane, consistent, and efficient training.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/felix-gantenbein-scaled.jpg, Dr Felix Gantenbein,
University of Zürich
, https://www.zirp.uzh.ch/en/aboutus/contact/gantenbein.html3D-printed mouse tail models for intravenous injection training
This project improves the recognition of discomfort in mice by developing and automating the Mouse Grimace Scale, which enables faster, more consistent, and more accessible pain assessment across research institutions.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/oliver-sturman.jpg, Dr Oliver Sturman,
ETH Zürich
, https://ch.linkedin.com/in/oliver-sturman-26b5a2284Automation, Optimisation and Dissemination of the Mouse Grimace Scale
Sex bias in animal research reduces reproducibility and increases unnecessary animal use. This project examines how housing of male and female mice influences their biology, welfare, and data variability, generating evidence‑based guidance to improve studies that include both sexes.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hanno-wurbel.jpg, Prof. Hanno Würbel,
University of Bern
Co-Investigators:
Dr Ivana Jaric | University of Bern
, https://www.tierschutz.vetsuisse.unibe.ch/about_us/personnel/prof_dr_wuerbel_hanno/index_eng.htmlBest practice guidance for including sex as a biological variable in animal research
This project develops new tools to improve how cell-based treatments for stroke are tested in mice. The toolkit enables non-invasive tracking of transplanted cells and more precise behavioural analysis, greatly improving scientific accuracy while significantly reducing the number of animals needed.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/christiantackenberg.2023-06-14-09-34-33.jpg, Dr Christian Tackenberg,
University of Zurich
Co-Investigators:
Dr Ruslan Rust | University of Southern California
Prof. Johannes Bohacek | ETH Zurich
Prof. Csaba Földy | University of Zurich
, https://www.irem.uzh.ch/en/research/Neurodegenration.htmlExperimental toolkit to evaluate cell-based therapies in the mouse brain
Delivering drugs into the brain is a challenge, because the blood–brain barrier blocks most therapeutic molecules from entering. Microbubble‑focused ultrasound is a promising alternative, which this project aims to refine using a mouse model of schizophrenia‑related neurodevelopmental disorder.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/anthony-laugeray.jpg, Dr Anthony Laugeray,
University of Lausanne
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Paola Bezzi | University of Lausanne
Asst. Prof. Anthony Delalande | University of Orléan, France
, https://dnf-unil.ch/group/astrocytes-and-postnatal-maturation-of-brain-circuits/member/bezzi-anthony-laugerayRefining intracerebral administration of drugs with sonoporation-activated microbubbles
This project uses a fruit‑fly model to identify new genes that drive colorectal cancer cell invasion. By replacing large‑scale mouse studies with efficient Drosophila screening, the team advance cancer‑metastasis research while significantly reducing the number of animals required.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/jamie-little.jpg, Dr Jamie Little,
, https://www.mls.uzh.ch/en/research/basler/groupmembers.html
University of Zurich
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Konrad Basler | University of Zurich
Dr Erich Brunner | University of Zurich
Dr Hassan Fazilaty | University of Zurich
Identifying new regulators of cell invasion in colorectal cancer using the Drosophila adult intestine
Proliferative Kidney Disease (PKD) is a serious parasitic disease affecting brown trout. This project aims to establish a sensitive and reliable DNA‑based method for detecting the PKD parasite in Swiss rivers, with the ultimate goal of replacing lethal monitoring with a more humane approach.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/heike-schmidt-posthaus.jpg, Dr Heike Schmidt-Posthaus,
University of Bern
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Irene Adrian-Kalchhauser | University of Bern
, https://www.fiwi.vetsuisse.unibe.ch/ueber_uns/personeninfos___invisible/prof_dr_med_vet_schmidt_posthaus_heike/index_ger.html
Reducing the need for lethal health monitoring in trout
Medicines taken during pregnancy can cross the placenta and harm the fetus. This project creates a human‑cell based placental barrier model to study drug transfer, offering a more accurate, ethical, and efficient screening approach that avoids traditional animal studies.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/christiane-albrecht.jpg, Prof. Christiane Albrecht,
, https://www.ibmm.unibe.ch/about_us/personen/group_albrecht/prof_dr_albrecht_christiane/index_eng.html
University of Bern
Co-Investigators:
Prof. František Štaud | Charles University (Czech Republic)
Dr. Chennakesava Cuddapah | Curio Biotech SA (Switzerland)
Engineering a novel cell-based model for assessing materno-fetal drug transfer during pregnancy
Understanding why some cancers resist treatment is a major challenge in oncology. This project develops a standardised platform to generate high‑quality organoids from genitourinary (GU) cancer patients, reducing animal use and supporting a more personalised approach.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/marianna-kruithof-de-julio.jpeg, Prof. Marianna Kruithof-de Julio,
University of Bern
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Mark Rubin | University of Bern
, https://www.bcpm.unibe.ch/about_us/people/prof_dr_phil_kruithof_de_julio_marianna/Development of a platform for GU cancer patient-derived organoids
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe, progressive lung disease with few treatment options. The standard rodent model poorly predicts human outcomes and causes significant distress. This project develops a physiologically relevant lung‑on‑chip platform to test anti‑fibrotic drugs.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/olivier-guenat.jpg, Prof. Olivier Guenat,
University of Bern
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Thomas Geiser | Bern University Hospital
, https://www.artorg.unibe.ch/research/ooc/group_members/persons/prof_dr_guenat_olivier_t/index_eng.htmlIPF-on-Chip: Replacing the bleomycin induced lung injury and fibrosis model with lung-on-chip technology
Behavioural testing is central to neuroscience research, yet current tools are outdated and lead to high animal use and poor reproducibility. This project applies modern machine‑learning approaches to streamline behavioural analysis, reduce animal use, and provide accessible tools for others.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/johannes-bohacek.jpeg, Asst. Prof. Johannes Bohacek,
ETH Zurich
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Mehmet Fatih Yanik | ETH Zurich
, https://hest.ethz.ch/en/research/professorships/person-detail.MTY2MTIx.TGlzdC85MiwtNzMwNjY5NDYy.htmlBEHAVE: A toolkit for deep-behavior profiling of laboratory rodents
This project develops an animal-free medium for fish cell lines, to eliminate the last animal-derived component used in fish cell based toxicology and accelerate ethical environmental risk assessment.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/kristin-schirmer-1.jpg, Prof. Kristin Schirmer,
Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag)
, https://www.eawag.ch/en/about-us/portrait/organisation/staff/profile/kristin-schirmer/show/Nutritional requirements of fish cell lines – development of a serum-free culture medium (L-15Plus)
This project develops evidence-based best-practice guidelines for rodent surgery. In doing so, the project improves animal welfare, enhances research reproducibility, and reduces unnecessary animal suffering.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/petra-seebeck-1.jpeg, Dr Petra Seebeck ,
University of Zurich
Co-Investigators:
Dr Stephan Zeiter | AO Research Institute Davos
Judith van Luijk | Syrcle
Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga | Syrcle
Mattea Durst | UZH
Paulin Jirkof | UZH
,Rodents have a right to best surgical practice
Organoids are powerful models, but most require basement membrane extracts harvested from tumour-bearing mice. This project develops recombinant laminin-like proteins to create animal-free matrices that support organoid growth, while reducing the need for thousands of mice used for BME production.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/lutolf.jpeg, Prof. Matthias Lütolf,
EPFL
Co-Investigators:
Dr Nicolas Broguière | EPFL
Prof. Gerald Schwank | ETH Zurich
, https://people.epfl.ch/matthias.lutolf?lang=enRecombinant laminin-like proteins for organoid cultures free of animal-derived basement membrane extract
Scientists often use genetically modified animals for their research, but this requires complex breeding schemes. This project is creating software that helps to design breeding schemes more efficiently, achieving the required genetic combinations while keeping surplus animals to a minimum.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/bugnon_philippe.jpeg, Dr Philippe Bugnon,
University of Zurich
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Thorsten Buch | UZH
Prof. Frank Brand | MathYou GmbH
, https://www.ltk.uzh.ch/en/contact.htmlBreeding management software for genetically modified rodents
Training surgeons on live animals remains common in many countries, despite ethical concerns and the availability of emerging alternatives. This project addresses this by developing an accessible, low‑cost pipeline for producing realistic 3D heart models for surgical training.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/screenshot-2025-07-07-at-10.52.46.png, Prof. Jean-Paul Vallée,
University of Geneva & University Hospital of Geneva (HUG)
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Maurice Beghetti | HUG
Dr Tornike Sologashvili | HUG
Dr Anne-Lise Hachulla | HUG
Célia Tomassetti | HUG
Kévin Ponchant | HUG
Mélanie Frei | HUG
, https://www.unige.ch/medecine/radio/en/research-groups/541vallee3D heart models for cardiac surgery training
Understanding how different cell types form during embryonic development is vital for regenerative medicine. Instead of relying on traditional mammalian models like mice, this project uses CRISPR/Cas9 screening directly in chicken embryos, eliminating the need to sacrifice pregnant animals.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/tschopp.jpg, PROF. PATRICK TSCHOPP,
University of Basel
, https://duw.unibas.ch/de/personen/patrick-tschopp/A CRISPR/Cas9-screening platform to decipher conserved cell fate specification networks in vivo
We want to learn the intubation technique to refine the current intratracheal instillation surgery technique. Intubation is used in several rodent models, to study lung physiological and pathological models. Intubation has been is along-established technique extensively performed in rats.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/jimmy-stalin.jpg, Dr. Jimmy Stalin ,
Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology,
Microbiology, and Immunology,
Faculty of Science and Medicine,
University of Fribourg
, https://www.unifr.ch/directory/en/people/226999/fc586Mice refinement: from invasive intratracheal instillation to intubation for lung fibrosis studies
Breeding genetically modified mice for research often produces large numbers of surplus animals - those whose genotypes are unsuitable for either experiments or further breeding. When crossing heterozygous animals to produce specific genotypes, Mendelian inheritance means that a significant proportion of offspring will not carry the desired genetic combination. For complex breeding schemes involving multiple genetic modifications, this problem multiplies substantially.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/bugnon_philippe.jpeg, Dr Philippe Bugnon,
University of Zurich
Co-Investigators:
Prof Achim Tresch | University Hospital Cologne
Prof Dr Frank Brand | Berlin School of Economics and Law
Algorithmic Breeding Planning
The home lab (Rubin Lab, DBMR; University of Bern) focuses on in vitro models to investigate lineage plasticity and metastasis and has most recently developed a novel organoid-based model to examine tumour-host interactions and the metastatic niche utilising spatially resolved cerebral organoids.
, Dr Alison Ferguson,
University of Bern
,An in vitro metastatic niche model of brain metastasis