On 9 September 2026, the latest policy advice 'From niche to norm – Transition Policy Advice: working together towards a society without animal experiments ' was published and presented to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature. The NCad issued this policy advice on its own initiative as a follow-up to the Transition Policy Advice from 2016 and its evaluation.
Background and key message
Over recent years, the Netherlands has built a strong knowledge and innovation base in non-animal research methods. However, this progress does not automatically lead to fewer experiments using animals: new methods can exist alongside established research practices without replacing them. Without targeted follow-up action, the innovation capacity that has been built up will not be sufficiently harnessed for the transition.
The NCad concludes that the next phase requires targeted change in the research and innovation system, and advocates a fundamental restructuring of the approach to the transition: moving from isolated innovations to collective change across research, policy and practice. This is not only about innovation in research; the policy advice concerns responsibilities across multiple ministries and of stakeholders in science, industry and society.
The NCad therefore deliberately refers to a society without animal experiments. This ultimate goal is not a prediction with a fixed date, but rather a compass for policy, research and practice. Concrete intermediate goals are needed in each policy and research domain, coupled with clear responsibilities and visible progress.
At the same time, it remains important to maintain the protection of animals currently used for scientific purposes.
How this policy advice was developed
The NCad undertook an extensive process of gathering information and exploring different perspectives. This process began with the evaluation of the first Transition Policy Advice (2024). This was followed by a further trajectory: beginning with an open survey and five thematic stakeholder meetings involving national and international participants from science, industry, government and civil society organisations.
In addition, the NCad held targeted discussions with experts and representatives whose knowledge or experience offers a perspective on the matter that is rarely heard in mainstream debate.
To substantiate the Transition Policy Advice from the perspectives of ethical and transition studies, the NCad commissioned a total of four expert reports, some as part of the evaluation (2024) and others subsequently, including a report with recent insights from transition studies.
Animation together, we are building a society without animal experiments.
Together, we are building a society without animal experiments.
We are working towards a society without animal experiments.
Not just as an ideal, but as a shared compass.
A vision of the future that already guides our actions today.
In a complex field like animal testing, it is important to state clearly where we want to go.
Even if we do not yet know exactly how to get there – or whether that will be fully achievable.
The path differs per domain.
Sometimes progress is swift, sometimes it takes more time.
The future is unpredictable – new developments can change a lot.
Interim goals guide us for now, without losing sight of the final goal.
An animal-free society demands something from all of us: It is about more than technological innovation.
It is also about social dialogue and making choices that give values and ethics a stronger place in policy, education and funding.
A society without animal experiments will not happen by itself.
But the choices we make today determine where we will be tomorrow.
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Together, we are building a society without animal experiments.