The popular initiative in favour of banning animal experiments would significantly weaken Switzerland as a centre of research. Furthermore, animal testing could be relocated to countries with much less stringent welfare rules.

The popular initiative "Ja zur tierversuchsfreien Zukunft" (Yes to a future without animal testing) aims to ban animal experiments in Switzerland. This would massively restrict human and veterinary medicine, basic biological and environmental research, and have a significant impact on Switzerland as a centre of research and innovation. Research on whole organisms is still necessary to develop new medical treatments, for example, since alternative methods such as cell culturing can only replace animal experiments to a limited extent. A total ban on animal experiments would result in Switzerland losing touch with international research. Swiss research quality and animal welfare standards are ranked at the highest level. By outsourcing animal experimentation to other countries, Switzerland would also outsource ethical responsibility and reduce animal welfare. The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is therefore advising against adopting the initiative.

Research into better implementation of the 3Rs

In February 2022, 79% of Swiss voters voted resoundingly to reject "Ja zum Tier- und Menschenversuchsverbot" (Yes to a ban on animal and human experiments), the last popular initiative on the subject. Since then, the SNSF has signed up to swissuniversities' recently established Swiss Transparency Agreement on Animal Research (STAAR), which aims to further improve communication and transparency as regards animal use in research. In the meantime, the National Research Programme "Advancing 3R" (NRP 79), which the SNSF is conducting on behalf of the Confederation, has commenced research work. Researchers working on the programme are investigating ways of effectively advancing the 3R principles – "Replace" (develop alternative methods), "Reduce" (use the smallest possible number of animals to generate the maximum amount of knowledge) and "Refine" (minimise the stress experienced by animals). The programme expects to publish its recommendations for researchers and the government by the end of 2028.

Effective protection for animals in Switzerland

The 3Rs are reflected in the high-quality standards that the SNSF sets for research projects. The guidelines stem from the research community itself and are prescribed by the Confederation. The SNSF only funds projects that comply with the latest 3R practice s. In addition, each experiment must have a valid permit. Furthermore, where experiments for SNSF-funded projects are conducted abroad, the SNSF requires them to be conducted to standards comparable to those in Switzerland.

According to World Animal Protection's Animal Protection Index, Switzerland is in the top eight worldwide when it comes to protecting animals used in experiments. Independently of the SNSF, each experiment has to be discussed by a committee on animal experimentation and approved by the veterinary office of the Canton in question. Each laboratory has to designate an experiment leader who ensures compliance with the legal requirements. In addition, an animal welfare officer helps researchers implement the 3R principles as early as the proposal submission stage. Animal experiments may only be conducted by specially trained researchers who regularly attend continuous training sessions. They have to report on each animal experiment they conduct.


The text of this press release and further information are available on the website of the Swiss National Science Foundation.