The fifth edition of Be Open About Animal Research Day (#BOARD25), EARA’s global, 24-hour social media campaign, that celebrates examples of openness in animal research with the public, took place during the FELASA Congress 2025, on 3 June. 

In 2025, EARA member Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International marks its 60th anniversary, celebrating a legacy of improving animal welfare in science and education.  

Researchers from the USA found that changes in the brains of female rats exposed to alcohol appear earlier than in males, potentially guiding personalised treatments for women.

EARA has just taken part in the 16th Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) Congress, held in Athens, Greece from 2 to 5 June 2025, making significant contributions to the scientific programme, addressing openness, transparency and public engagement in animal research. 

A feature on “The Scientist”, by Hannah Thomasy, provides an overview of the recent plans announced by the FDA to phase out animal testing in drug development by replacing animals with New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), such as organoids and organs-on-a-chip systems, as well as computational approaches, including AI. 

Researchers in the US found that a moderate caloric restriction for three years when monkeys were about to enter menopause slowed alterations in the ovaries that usually occur with ageing.

Researchers in Germany have developed a 3D culture of pancreatic cells to better replicate the ones found in humans, contributing to diabetes research. 

A new feature by EARA Swiss Ambassador, Rémi Cartier, examines the current use and limitations of “organoids” that are becoming a widely used tool in biomedical research but emphasises they cannot yet replace animal studies. 

Research from Switzerland revealed that immune cells inefficacy for cancer treatment in ageing patients can be reverted. 

Researchers in the United States have developed an injectable gel that can rapidly seal wounds in organs, reducing blood loss, in studies with rats and pigs.