How does medical progress come about?
How can we better understand diseases and develop new therapies? And what role does animal experimentation still play today? These questions were at the centre of two events attended by Gen Suisse at Scientifica 2026.
The short lecture “Why Medicine Needs Animal Experimentation”, given by Professor Johannes Bohacek on 23 August at the Irchel campus, explored historical milestones and current examples from neuroscience. It became clear that animal models have contributed to important medical advances and continue to play a role in basic biomedical research.
At the same time, animal experimentation in Switzerland faces intense scrutiny and pressure to justify its use. It is therefore all the more important to explain transparently when animal experiments are necessary, what knowledge they make possible and where their limits lie.
Animal Research and Alternative Methods
During the final weekend of Scientifica, the exhibition “Animal Experimentation in Transition: Research with Animals and Alternatives” offered an insight into current research practice. Illustrative examples, images, videos and interactive stations showed where animal experimentation cannot yet be fully replaced – and where alternative methods are already being used.
The 3R principles were at the heart of the exhibition: Replace – replace animal experiments wherever possible; Reduce – reduce the number of animals used; and Refine – improve procedures and reduce the burden placed on animals. The exhibition made clear that modern research needs both: the careful advancement of alternative methods and responsible, scientifically grounded research with animals where no equivalent alternative is currently available.
Science Needs Openness and Dialogue
For Gen Suisse, Scientifica was an important opportunity to experience the public debate at close range. The events showed how valuable direct exchange between researchers and the public is – especially on a topic that evokes strong emotions and is the subject of controversy in society.
A fact-based debate must neither overlook the importance of animal experimentation for generating medical knowledge nor downplay our responsibility towards animals. It must bring both aspects together: the question of what research is necessary today and the clear objective of replacing, reducing and refining animal experimentation through better methods.
Gen Suisse is committed to ensuring that these questions are discussed openly, clearly and on the basis of scientific evidence. The visit to Scientifica showed that constructive dialogue is possible when research is explained transparently and different perspectives engage with one another.
Further Information
Short lecture “Why Medicine Needs Animal Experimentation”
Exhibition “Animal Experimentation in Transition: Research with Animals and Alternatives”
