Altertox was founded in 2012 to fill in a gap in the EU policy arena in respect with alternatives to animal testing. Despite strong representation by non-governmental organisation dedicated to animal welfare or specific trade associations dealing with the topic, academia stakeholders were absent from the discussion. In this context, Altertox aims to disseminate at the EU institutions level scientific information on alternatives to animal testing in the context of safety testing and toxicology based on the state-of-the-art (i.e. peer reviewed scientific literature). Under this core topic, Altertox provides its services to public entities, NGOs and Private sector by connecting experts’ scientists from the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) with the Members of the European Parliament. In the frame of the 3Rs activities, Altertox coordinates and may organize parliamentary briefings to raise awareness on the human-relevant methods already available.Altertox disseminates also to the scientists the current EU regulatory context of 3Rs, ongoing European citizenship initiatives or any legislative processes relevant in the field of safety testing by following closely EU institutions activities and attending related events.Altertox is also the developer of Training events in the laboratory - see CAAT Academy

The European Policy Program will help cement CAAT’s role as a transatlantic bridge for 3Rs and alternatives and a global scientific voice for bringing the 3Rs and humane science into law, regulations, and guidance. One of the goals of the European Policy Program is to serve as a voice of science to political decision makers in the EU and to act as a conduit so that cutting edge humane science is available to make policy on both sides of the Atlantic.

CAAT and CAAT-Europe promise sound scientific synergy involving experts from both sides of the Atlantic to promote the implementation of human-relevant alternative approaches, the advancement of research, and the dissemination of the 3Rs. CAAT and CAAT-Europe have decided to further strenghten use and practices of alternatives test methods by launching CAAT ACADEMY http://caat-academy.com

safety assessment and preparation of dossiers for REACH submissions

Main responsibility: Coordination of an international validation of alternative methods in ecotoxicity (OECD Fish Embryo Toxicity Test study)Required competences: In-depth knowledge of the European regulations/directives (REACh, plant protection products or the protection of animals used for scientific purposes); Expertise in the principles of validation for alternative test methods;Thorough knowledge of the OECD Test Guidelines and Guidance Documents in ecotoxicology; Expertise in endocrine disrupters in ecotoxicology under European legislation, OECD and US Endocrine Disrupter Screening Programme; Advancedknowledge on environmental risk assessment

Main responsibility: Implementation of the PhD thesis test method (mDarT) in another laboratoryRequired competences: Technical expertise; Flexibility and excellent oral communication

Main responsibilities: Development of an animal alternative test method for reproductive toxicology assessment using an ecotoxicological model (mDarT)Required competences: Thorough knowledge of in vitro models in reproductive toxicology, ecotoxicology and xenobiotic metabolism; Proficient user with the zebrafish (adult and embryo)

Main responsibilities: Establishment and validation of analytical methods (chromatographic and enzymatic assays) for the characterization of primary cell culture (human and rats hepatocytes) and training of the laboratory technicianRequired competences: Proficient user of HPLC, enzymatic fluorescence assay (CYP450 detection) and monolayer mammal cell culture

Main responsibilities: Establishment and validation of an analytical method for cosmetic ingredient (UV filters)Required competences: Proficient user of HPLC; Thorough knowledge in validation of analytical method under FDA; Basic knowledge in product formulation